A pastor's celebration and defense of a gold statue of President Donald Trump at Trump National Doral golf course in Miami, Florida, has ignited a wave of online criticism, with many likening it to the biblical "golden calf" as an example of idol worship.
Statue Named 'Don Colossus'
The statue, named "Don Colossus," depicts Trump raising his fist in the air, reminiscent of his gesture during the failed 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Commissioned by a group of crypto investors, the bust portion of a 15-foot bronze statue coated in gold leaf was displayed at the event.
Liberal influencer Harry Sisson wrote on X: "Straight cult shit. These people have been indoctrinated."
Pastor's Defense
Pastor Mark Burns led the dedication event on Wednesday, calling it "a moment of gratitude, honor, and remembrance." He denied any comparison to a "golden calf," stating: "This statue is not about worship. It is about honor. It is a celebration of life and a powerful symbol of resilience, freedom, patriotism, courage, and the will to keep fighting for America."
Burns added: "It also reminds us of the hand of God over President Trump's life. We thank God for preserving him and not allowing his life to be taken, not once, but multiple times."
Online Backlash Intensifies
Despite Burns' denials, users on X drew the same biblical comparison. One reply with tens of thousands of likes read: "Saying 'this is not a golden calf' as you put up a golden calf doesn't cancel that fact out." Another user wrote: "Feel like the Bible is quite explicit on this one."
Other users quipped: "My 'not a golden calf' statue has people asking a lot of questions already answered by my statue." Actor Christopher Meloni, known for "Law and Order: SVU," commented: "Waiting for Moses to come down with a couple tablets."
Continued Defense
On Friday, Burns continued to defend the statue: "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 worship. Let me be very clear. We worship the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone."
Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Ill.) responded: "This is absolutely idol worship." Sports and politics commentator Keith Olbermann wrote: "This is literally described in the bible as a sin. Maybe you could read it, 'Pastor.' It's available in all popular bookstores."
Zeteo's Mehdi Hasan added: "Remember: in the Middle East, we're fighting a regime of religious maniacs who blindly follow a Supreme Leader."
