A striking golden statue of President Trump is set to welcome world leaders at the G20 summit in Miami later this year, hosted at Trump National Doral. Sponsored by cryptocurrency enthusiasts who created the memecoin $PATRIOT, the statue, “Don Colossus,” aims to generate significant buzz.
The 15-foot bronze sculpture, crafted by renowned artist Alan Cottrill, will rise to 22 feet on a custom pedestal. Cottrill, who has sculpted other presidential figures, was asked by the crypto backers to enhance Trump's features, slimming down and reducing the "turkey neck" for a more polished look.
Currently, the statue is held at Cottrill’s Ohio foundry due to a payment dispute. The artist claims his patrons used images of the statue without his consent to promote their declining memecoin. He states he is still owed $90,000 of the $150,000 agreed fee and will retain the statue until he's fully compensated.
Ashley Sansalone, one of the project's commissioners, assured Cottrill would be fully paid before the statue’s official unveiling, noting that withholding funds until the final stages is common in such agreements.
The artwork has already garnered attention and praise on social media, with users applauding Cottrill’s craftsmanship. The statue purportedly draws inspiration from a 2024 image of Trump during a speech, depicting him with an open-collared shirt and raised fist gesture.
Plated in gold leaf, the statue is notably smaller than other world leader monuments, such as the 72-foot statues in Pyongyang. The White House and Trump Organization have distanced themselves from involvement in the crypto project, with no official comment provided.
Despite this, the Trump administration plays a vital role in organizing the G20 summit. The selection of the Trump-owned resort as the venue was announced in September, and preparations have been underway. Scheduled for December 14-15, the summit aims to address unleashing economic prosperity through deregulation, unlocking affordable energy, and pioneering new technologies.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is tasked with orchestrating the summit’s agenda, and the venue will host the event "at cost," ensuring no profit from the US State Department or foreign governments. This initiative continues to meld Trump's business interests with his political endeavors, marking a unique chapter in his multifaceted legacy.
Key Takeaways
Trump statue funded by crypto enthusiasts for G20 summit.
Artist Alan Cottrill awaits full payment amid a financial dispute.
Summit to focus on economic growth, hosted without profit.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Source 2026-02.04
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