The 'Don Colossus' statue by sculptor Alan Cottrill's
Trump gold statue sparks cult-of-personality debate
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- A 15-foot gilded statue of US President Donald Trump, titled "Don Colossus," unveiled at Trump National Doral in Miami.
- Televangelist Mark Burns dismissed comparisons to the biblical "golden calf".
A massive gold statue depicting US President Donald Trump was dedicated Friday at his Miami golf course.
The 15-foot bronze monument, financed by cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and a group of over 6,000 supporters, portrays the 79-year-old president with a raised fist, a reference to his survival of a 2024 assassination attempt.
The statue creator, Alan Cottrill, confirmed he received full payment for the work two weeks ago after months of delays, leading to the immediate installation at Trump National Doral.
Honor vs. idolatry
Televangelist Mark Burns, a long-time ally of the president who led the dedication ceremony, moved quickly to address social media criticism comparing the effigy to the "golden calf" mentioned in the Ten Commandments.
"Let me say this plainly: this is not a golden calf," Burns wrote on X. He argued that the statue is intended to be a "symbol of resilience, freedom, and patriotism" rather than a religious idol.
One of the greatest honors of my life was leading the dedication of President Donald J. Trump’s statue to the world.
— Pastor Mark Burns (@pastormarkburns) May 8, 2026
What amazes me is how quickly some people have compared this beautiful statue, created and made possible by more than 6,000 patriots, to a golden calf or idol… pic.twitter.com/p8myp46dD5
Claims of divine intervention
During the ceremony and in subsequent statements, Burns emphasized that the statue serves as a reminder of "the hand of God over President Trump’s life."
Many of the president's followers view his survival of the June 2024 shooting and other foiled attempts as signs of divine protection.
Burns reiterated Friday that his congregation worships "the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone," insisting that "respect is not idolatry."
Cult-of-personality allegations
The installation has reignited long-standing debates regarding the nature of the support behind the president, with critics frequently raising allegations of cult-like devotion.
While supporters view the monument as a celebration of the "will to keep fighting for America," opponents argue the gilded display further blurs the lines between political leadership and religious reverence.
Notably, the statue's creator, Cottrill, stated that while he was paid for his labor, he was not invited to attend the official dedication event.
