Golden Trump statue in Florida sparks controversy

Cryptocurrency investors fund and install a massive golden statue of President Donald Trump at his golf club in Doral, Florida.
Estatua dorada de Trump en Florida desata polémica
El presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, habla en un acto por el Día de la Madre, este 8 de mayo de 2026. EFE/Aaron Schwartz/Pool

U.S. President Donald Trump continues to cement his image in South Florida, this time with a colossal work of art. A golden statue approximately 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall was recently unveiled at his golf resort in Doral, a well-known community west of Miami. The figure depicts the president standing with his right fist raised, immortalizing the pose he struck following the failed assassination attempt during his campaign event in Pennsylvania in July 2024.

The imposing sculpture, known as “Don Colossus,” is cast in bronze and covered with a thick layer of gold leaf. It stands firmly on a massive stainless steel and concrete pedestal about 2 meters high. Consequently, the final structure rises above 6 meters, similar to a two-story building. According to The New York Times, the costly art project was not funded by the government or the club. Instead, it was financed by a group of cryptocurrency investors.

This group of tech entrepreneurs paid $300,000 to a sculptor to create the work as a tribute to the president. Trump has promoted relaxed laws for trading crypto assets. Additionally, the creators used the sculpture to promote their own “memecoin” or digital currency, which was named “$PATRIOT.” For his part, the president celebrated the installation on his Truth Social network, stating it had been placed by “American patriots.”

What was said at the unveiling ceremony?

The official unveiling of the golden statue took place last Thursday on the grounds of Trump National Doral. The event was presided over by evangelical pastor Mark Burns, a staunch ally of the president. During his fiery speech, Burns described the sculpture as a “celebration of life” and a clear symbol of resilience, strength, patriotism, and the unwavering will to continue fighting for the future of America.

In response to the criticism that quickly emerged online accusing those present of idolatry, the clergyman was blunt. The pastor insisted that the work is not a false idol to be worshiped. On the contrary, it stands solely as a firm reminder of the hand of God. “Time and again, when his life was threatened, God’s mercy prevailed,” Burns added to calm the intense debate that ignited social media.

Although Trump could not attend the Doral event in person, the president was present remotely. As Burns himself confirmed to local media, the president called him directly by phone during the ceremony. The president took the opportunity to greet and personally address all the attendees and supporters gathered around the new golden structure.

What other institutions will bear Trump’s name?

The erection of the Don Colossus is just one example of the multiple Republican efforts to consolidate Trump’s legacy in his second term. There is also a push to expand his cult of personality. Just a month and a half ago, Florida’s Republican Governor, Ron DeSantis, signed a controversial state law to rename the current Palm Beach airport. This county is very close to the president’s official residence at Mar-a-Lago.

The president’s third son, Eric Trump, was recently responsible for sharing the logo of what is now known as the “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” on the social network X. The long-awaited official name change at the air terminal is scheduled to take effect starting in July 2026. However, it must first clear all final permits granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The former president’s brand will not be limited to airports or golf courses in Florida. The federal government has also announced unprecedented actions nationwide. The U.S. Department of the Treasury confirmed that Donald Trump’s signature will soon appear on legal tender banknotes, something never before seen for a sitting U.S. president. Additionally, his image will be part of a limited edition of commemorative passports for the 250th anniversary of national independence.

Find out more at Nueva News

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