A popular tourist attraction in San Antonio has quietly pulled one of its most controversial figures from public view after visitors could not stop attacking it.
Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks removed its Donald Trump wax figure after repeated damage caused by guests. According to museum staff, the figure was struck, scratched, and mishandled so often that keeping it on display became impossible.
Employees said the figure’s face showed visible damage, especially around the head and eyes. Over time, repairs no longer lasted. Each fix was followed by more abuse. Eventually, the museum decided enough was enough.
Ripley Entertainment, the company that operates the wax museum, confirmed the decision. A spokesperson explained that political figures often receive stronger reactions than celebrities, but admitted that Trump’s figure drew extreme behavior.
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“It’s a presidential figure,” said Suzanne Smagala-Potts. “Sometimes people will take a swipe at them.”
While other presidents’ figures have also been damaged in the past, staff members said Trump’s wax statue faced more frequent and aggressive treatment. Workers described guests punching it, clawing at it, and grabbing it roughly during photo sessions.
Clay Stewart, Ripley’s regional manager, said political division plays a major role in how visitors behave.
“When it’s a highly political figure, attacks can be a problem,” Stewart said.
Museum employees also pointed out that not all damage came from anger alone. Many visitors leaned heavily on the figure while posing for pictures, wrapped arms around it, or pulled it off balance. Over time, the wax weakened, cracked, and lost shape.
For now, the Trump wax figure has been placed in storage. Staff said it may return in the future after restoration work is completed. One possibility is bringing it back when a new wax figure of President Joe Biden is finished, allowing both figures to be displayed together.
The museum emphasized that it does not support vandalism or political messaging. It also said it has no plans to identify or punish individuals who damaged the figure. The focus, according to staff, is maintaining exhibits and preventing further destruction.
Earlier this year, an art installation showing Trump’s head mounted on a stake sparked national outrage. Trump has also personally attacked artists who created images of him that he disliked.
In one high-profile case, Trump criticized a portrait of himself painted by artist Sarah Boardman and displayed in the Colorado Capitol. He claimed the artwork was intentionally unflattering and described it as “the worst.”
Boardman later responded, saying Trump’s comments damaged her reputation and threatened her career. She said the portrait had been displayed for years without complaint before Trump publicly attacked it.
Featured image via X screengrab
