22-Foot Gold Trump Statue for G20 Sparks Crypto Payment Dispute
A 15-foot bronze statue of former US President Donald Trump, commissioned by cryptocurrency investors, is intended to be displayed at Trump National Doral in Miami during the upcoming G20 summit. The statue, which will stand 22 feet tall on its pedestal and be covered in gold leaf, was sculpted by Alan Cottrill, who was reportedly asked to make the subject appear younger.
Sculptor Withholds Statue Over Unpaid Balance
Cottrill is currently withholding the completed statue at his Ohio foundry due to an alleged dispute over an unpaid balance of $90,000 from the $150,000 commission. The sculptor claims the crypto investors unlawfully used an image of his work to market their memecoin, $PATRIOT, which has since significantly decreased in value.
White House Denies Involvement in Crypto Project
While the White House denies involvement in the crypto project, the Trump administration selected the Trump-owned resort as the G20 venue, stating it would host the meeting “at cost.” This move has raised eyebrows, given the potential for conflicts of interest and the ongoing controversy surrounding the statue's funding.
The situation highlights broader issues in the intersection of cryptocurrency investments and political symbolism, as the statue was meant to welcome world leaders to the high-profile summit. Critics argue that such displays could undermine the neutrality expected of international diplomatic events.
As the G20 approaches, it remains unclear whether the statue will be resolved in time for display, adding an unexpected layer of drama to the preparations. The dispute underscores the volatile nature of crypto ventures and their impact on commissioned artworks in the political sphere.
