Melania Trump Bronze Statue Stolen in Slovenia for Second Time

A bronze statue of Melania Trump, the US first lady born in Sevnica, Slovenia, has been stolen for the second time in five years. The life-size sculpture by American artist Brad Downey was cut at the ankles and removed from its tree stump pedestal near Sevnica. Downey, who created both the original wooden version and its bronze replica, suspects the theft may be linked to Donald Trump's new presidential campaign. The original wooden statue, carved by local artist Aleš Župevc and installed in 2019, was destroyed by arson later that year. Downey had made a mold and recast it in bronze in 2020, but now that too is gone. Local baker Franja Kranjc, who sells Melania-themed cakes, said the statue will not be missed. Authorities condemned the theft but noted that the first lady's image was not a source of local pride. Melania Trump, born Melanija Knavs, has never returned to Slovenia since leaving.