A monumental golden statue of former US President Donald Trump, standing an impressive 15 feet tall, has become the centre of a financial and legal dispute that is delaying its highly anticipated public display. The statue was commissioned by a group of cryptocurrency investors at a cost of $150,000 to promote their memecoin, known as $PATRIOT.
Statue Details and Planned Display
The artwork, which will be mounted on a pedestal bringing its total height to 22 feet, is covered in gold leaf and depicts Trump with a raised fist. This powerful pose is directly inspired by an image captured during a speech the former president gave in July 2024. The intended location for this striking piece is the Trump National Doral resort in Miami, Florida.
Dispute Halts Delivery
However, the statue's journey to Miami has hit a significant roadblock. The renowned sculptor, Alan Cottrill, is currently withholding the completed work at his foundry in Ohio. This action stems from an ongoing dispute over an unpaid balance of $90,000 owed to him from the original commission fee. Cottrill has not received full payment for his labour and materials.
Furthermore, the sculptor has levelled a serious additional allegation against the cryptocurrency investors. He claims they unlawfully used an image of his unfinished sculpture to market their $PATRIOT memecoin. This promotional activity occurred without his permission, and Cottrill views it as a misuse of his intellectual property. Reports indicate that the value of the $PATRIOT memecoin has since fallen dramatically following its initial promotion.
G20 Summit Venue Context
The planned display location adds a layer of geopolitical significance to the situation. The Trump National Doral in Miami is scheduled to host the prestigious G20 summit of world leaders in December of this year. The White House has confirmed that the venue will be provided to the international gathering "at cost," meaning the Trump-owned resort will not generate a profit from hosting the event.
The timing of the statue's intended unveiling, juxtaposed with the resort's preparation for a major global diplomatic event, creates a unique and controversial backdrop. The dispute between the artist and his patrons now casts uncertainty over whether the golden effigy, dubbed 'Don Colossus' by some observers, will be in place to greet the arriving international delegates as originally envisioned.
