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'Don Colossus': The Golden Trump Statue and the Crypto Controversy

February 3, 2026
  • #Cryptocurrency
  • #Trump
  • #Memecoin
  • #Investing
  • #PoliticalCulture
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'Don Colossus': The Golden Trump Statue and the Crypto Controversy

Understanding 'Don Colossus'

Standing 15 feet tall and crafted from bronze before being layered in gold leaf, “Don Colossus” symbolizes the intersection of celebrity, politics, and cryptocurrency. Commissioned by a group of crypto investors for $300,000, this statue aims to honor a president who has championed digital currencies, all while entangled in a web of controversy.

The Vision Behind the Statue

Initially intended as a marketing tool for a memecoin called $PATRIOT, the statue encapsulates the zeitgeist of the Trump era—a bizarre mix of fervent political allegiance and digital speculation. The idea was birthed in a Telegram group, inspired by the resilience President Trump exhibited after surviving an assassination attempt.

The Gold Leaf Controversy

Recently, Pastor Mark Burns, one of the statue's proponents, disclosed that a pedestal for the statue has been installed at Trump's golf complex in Doral, Florida. The intent is to unveil it in a manner that undoubtedly seeks to rally the die-hard Trump supporters. Yet, discussions about the statue have not been without conflict, particularly regarding payments owed to the sculptor, Alan Cottrill.

“You are using my copyrighted image in marketing your token!” – Alan Cottrill

Memecoins and Market Dynamics

Memecoins, by their nature, thrive on internet hype and community engagement. They are largely speculative, and their worth hinges on public interest rather than intrinsic value. The investors behind $PATRIOT believed that the spectacle of “Don Colossus” would drive up coin values. However, recent reports indicate the coin's value plummeted, illustrating the volatility characteristic of such assets.

Internal Strife and Delays

The road to unveiling “Don Colossus” has been fraught with setbacks. Infighting among the investors and with Cottrill, who reportedly has not been fully compensated for his work, reveals the fractious nature of collaborations in the crypto sphere. Messages from Cottrill describe his frustration, asserting he is owed over $90,000 for the statue's rights. Meanwhile, the attackers maintain that the project was never intended as a moneymaker but merely a promotional tool.

The saga sheds light not only on the challenges in the burgeoning world of digital currencies but also on how political aspirations can intertwine perilously with financial ventures. Could this ambitious project mark a turning point for memecoins, shifting from a speculative fad to an integrative part of American political culture?

The Future of 'Don Colossus'

As the statue awaits its official unveiling, it remains to be seen whether it will become a symbol of success or a supremely ironic reminder of crypto's frailties. With plans in motion to gift miniature versions of the statue to Trump himself—one can only wonder how this peculiar intersection of politics and cryptocurrencies will evolve.

Conclusion: A Cultural Artifact

“Don Colossus” is more than just a statue; it is a contemporary artifact reflecting a unique era where politics, celebrity, and cryptocurrencies converge, illustrating both the passions and pitfalls of our time. The outcome of this ambitious endeavor will be revealed not just in financial terms but in its ability to galvanize Trump's base and shape the narrative around cryptocurrency for years to come.

Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/technology/trump-statue-don-colossus.html

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