Golden Statue of Donald Trump Sparks Mixed Reactions Amid Political and Religious Debate A 22-foot golden statue of former President Donald Trump, dubbed "Don Colossus," has drawn widespread attention and controversy since its formal unveiling at Trump National Doral Miami golf course last week. Commissioned by the $PATRIOT cryptocurrency group, the statue was unveiled during a dedication ceremony led by Pastor Mark Burns, a longtime spiritual adviser to Trump. The artwork, covered in gold leaf, has been praised by Trump’s supporters while facing sharp criticism from critics who liken it to the biblical golden calf, a symbol of idolatry. Trump defended the statue on Friday, calling it a tribute to his supporters and describing it as a "landmark" that would become a symbol of his legacy. "Those playing the Blue Monster, at Doral, are absolutely in love with it," he said, referring to the golf course’s tournament. The President also praised the group behind the project, calling them "great American patriots" and expressing gratitude for their efforts. He had previously championed the statue, calling it "the real deal" during a phone call to the unveiling ceremony. Pastor Burns, who played a key role in the project, issued a public statement to address criticisms. He emphasized that the statue was not an act of idolatry but a celebration of patriotism, stating, "We worship the Lord Jesus Christ and him alone." Burns dismissed comparisons to the golden calf, asserting that the statue was a tribute to Trump’s supporters and not a religious symbol. "You may dislike President Trump. That is your choice. But you are in gross error if you think for one second that I worship this magnificent statue or anything made by human hands," he added. The statue has also drawn mockery from late-night hosts.#donald_trump #cpac #pastor_mark_burns #trump_national_doral_miami #patriot_cryptocurrency
Iran War Sparks Division Among Conservatives at CPAC The ongoing conflict with Iran has intensified divisions within the Republican Party, particularly at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where debates over military action and foreign policy have become a focal point. The event, held in Grapevine, Texas, has exposed tensions among conservatives, with some advocating for a strong stance against Iran while others question the wisdom of escalating tensions. These disagreements have played out both in public forums and online, raising concerns about the party’s cohesion ahead of the midterm elections. Blake Zummo, a member of the Trump Tribe of Texas, voiced her opposition to President Donald Trump’s approach to the Iran conflict. Zummo, who grew up in Iran during the 1970s, criticized the idea that the war is necessary, arguing that Trump’s actions risk dragging the U.S. into unnecessary Middle East entanglements. “This is finally the first president that had the nerve to go in and do what needed to be done to protect the American people,” she said outside the conference hall. However, her views contrast with those of other attendees, including former Rep. Matt Gaetz, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, and Blackwater founder Erik Prince, who have all expressed skepticism about U.S. military involvement in Iran. CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp acknowledged the growing debate over the war’s consequences, noting that the conference’s audience is “nervous” about military operations. He warned that if Republicans lose control of Congress in the fall, discussions about the war’s impact could dominate the event. “Any time there’s a military operation, people are nervous about it,” Schlapp said before the conference opened.#steve_bannon #cpac #matt_schlapp #matt_gaetz #erik_prince
