A gold statue of President Donald Trump unveiled at the Trump National Doral golf course in Miami, Florida, has sparked significant online controversy, with many likening it to the biblical “golden calf” associated with idol worship.
“Straight cult shit. These people have been indoctrinated,” commented liberal influencer Harry Sisson on X.
Named “Don Colossus,” the statue depicts Trump with a raised fist, reminiscent of his gesture during the thwarted 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. This piece was commissioned by a consortium of cryptocurrency investors.
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Pastor Mark Burns officiated the unveiling ceremony for the statue on Wednesday, describing it as “a moment of gratitude, honor, and remembrance.”
He refuted, in multiple posts, any suggestion of the statue or its dedication being akin to “a golden calf,” an allusion in the Bible to idolatry.
“This statue is about honor, not worship. It stands as a tribute to life and embodies resilience, freedom, patriotism, courage, and the determination to continue fighting for America,” Burns expressed on X. “It also serves as a reminder of God’s protection over President Trump’s life. We are grateful to God for preserving him on multiple occasions.”
Despite Pastor Burns’ denials, many users on X maintained the comparison.
“Asserting ‘this is not a golden calf’ while unveiling a golden calf doesn’t negate the reality,” a comment read, garnering tens of thousands of likes.
“My ‘not a golden calf’ statue has sparked numerous questions that my statue itself answers,” another user quipped.
“Waiting for Moses to come down with a couple tablets,” commented “Law and Order: SVU” star Christopher Meloni.
On Friday, Burns continued to defend the statue.
“I am amazed by how swiftly some have equated this beautiful statue, brought to life by over 6,000 patriots, with a golden calf or idol worship,” Burns remarked. “Let me be perfectly clear. We worship the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone.”
“This is absolutely idol worship,” said former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Ill.)
“This is literally described in the bible as a sin,” sports and politics commentator Keith Olbermann wrote. “Maybe you could read it, ‘Pastor.’ It’s available in all popular bookstores.”
“Remember: in the Middle East, we’re fighting a regime of religious maniacs who blindly follow a Supreme Leader,” Zeteo’s Mehdi Hasan replied.
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