### Controversial Trump Statue Erected and Defaced in Downtown Portland

A controversial statue of Donald Trump was installed in downtown Portland, causing a stir just days before the upcoming election. The lifesize statue, spray-painted gold and dressed in actual clothing, appeared on Sunday above a plaque reading "In Honor of a Lifetime of Sexual Assault." However, by afternoon, the statue had been beheaded, and the plaque destroyed. By nightfall, all that remained was one gold shoe.

The Trump statue was placed near the well-known "nude woman" sculpture at SW 6th and Morrison, close to Pioneer Courthouse Square. The bronze sculpture, named Kvinneakt, has been a fixture in the area since its installation in 1975. The juxtaposition of Trump's statue facing the historic sculpture drew attention and varied reactions from passersby.

Local residents Nicholas Carroll and Todd Jordan were among those who witnessed the aftermath. Carroll questioned the whereabouts of the statue’s head, expressing uncertainty about who might be responsible. Jordan, noting the proximity to the election, speculated about potential future incidents. "I think we may see more and more of this as the election approaches," he commented.

Marty Warner and Kara Sullivan also visited the site, reacting to the swift destruction of the statue. Warner mentioned he was intrigued by its historical significance and wanted to document the moment with a photo. Sullivan, on the other hand, was pleased with the immediate response to the statue’s installation.

This isn't the first instance of Trump-related statues appearing in Portland. In 2020, protesters used "living statues" to satirically depict Trump as part of their demonstrations. Earlier that year, Trump had criticized "leftist radicals" in Portland after statues of historical figures like George Washington were toppled during protests.

Portland Parks & Recreation has yet to comment on the latest statue's appearance. The fleeting presence of the Trump statue highlights the charged political atmosphere as Election Day nears.