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Pastor Defends Golden Trump Statue at Doral as Honor, Not Idol

The gilded figure, financed by $PATRIOT crypto supporters, followed a late payment that the sculptor says cleared just before installation.

Overview

  • A gilded bronze statue of President Trump now stands at Trump National Doral after a public dedication led by televangelist Mark Burns, where a recorded message from Trump was played.
  • The figure depicts Trump raising a fist, echoing his gesture after the 2024 shooting in Butler, and supporters presented it as a symbol of resilience.
  • Burns told followers it was not a “golden calf” and said it honored Trump’s survival and faith, while critics compared the display to idol worship.
  • Sculptor Alan Cottrill said he received full payment about two weeks before installation, installed the piece himself, and was not invited to the dedication.
  • Crypto backers tied to the $PATRIOT memecoin funded the project, and reports differed on its size, with AFP citing a 15‑foot statue and Times Now describing a 22‑foot work including its base.