A golden statue of Donald Trump that has attracted attention at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, was made in Mexico, the artist has revealed. Tommy Zegan, who crafted the larger-than-life tribute, confirmed to Politico's Playbook newsletter that the statue was constructed in Rosarito, Mexico.
The statue features a golden head and Trump's trademark suit jacket with white shirt and red tie. It weighs 200lb and is made of fiberglass. Zegan spent over six months on the project with the help of three men in Mexico, before transporting it to Tampa, Florida, where it was painted in chrome and then taken to CPAC.
The revelation is notable because Trump frequently demonised Mexico during his presidency, including calling Mexican immigrants criminals and rapists, and pursuing a border wall that he said Mexico would pay for. Zegan, who lives in Mexico on a permanent resident visa, said the statue was made there.
CPAC is a key gathering for the US Republican right, and this year's event has underscored Trump's continued influence over the party despite his loss of the presidency, two impeachments, and a widely criticised response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
