The Unfinished Saga of "Don Colossus": Trump's Golden Statue Faces Delays
A colossal, gold-leafed likeness of former US President Donald Trump currently rests incomplete in an Ohio art studio, its public display still in question over a year past its creation. This striking sculpture, known as 'Don Colossus,' embodies a complex narrative involving art, finance, and political ambition.
A Monumental Artwork with a Hefty Price Tag
This remarkable 15-foot bronze artwork, affectionately named 'Don Colossus,' portrays Trump with a raised fist, symbolizing a moment of triumph following a hypothetical July 2024 assassination attempt. Designed to reach two stories high when mounted on its substantial 6,000-pound base, the statue was a hefty investment. It was commissioned for approximately $360,000 by a group of cryptocurrency investors who supported Trump's 2024 presidential bid.
Payment Disputes Halt Grand Unveiling
However, the grand unveiling of 'Don Colossus' remains on hold. A major hurdle, according to its creator, renowned sculptor Alan Cottrill, is an outstanding balance. Cottrill, 73, firmly stated, "I would be unwise to put it up before receiving full payment, and I am not unwise." He claims he is still owed roughly $92,000 for his monumental effort.
Crypto Ventures and Political Connections Under Scrutiny
This suspended art project has become a striking example of the unpredictable nature of cryptocurrency investments and the dynamic shifts within Trump's extensive political and financial network. Cottrill asserts that after his initial engagement, the project's financiers began leveraging images of his sculpture to promote their $PATRIOT cryptocurrency without his explicit consent. This digital asset, a 'meme coin,' relies purely on market speculation and online community buzz for its value, lacking any inherent worth.
Trump's well-known connections to the crypto world have sparked accusations of significant conflicts of interest, with reports suggesting his family's wealth expanded by an estimated $1.4 billion last year solely from digital currency holdings.
The Rise and Fall of $PATRIOT Coin
The $PATRIOT coin, launched in November 2024, initially garnered considerable attention, especially after Trump's strong performance in that month's US presidential election. However, its success was fleeting. Days before his January inauguration and the anticipated statue unveiling, Trump introduced his own digital currency, $TRUMP. As the value of $TRUMP skyrocketed, $PATRIOT's market worth plummeted. Despite still being traded, its current value is over 95% lower than its highest point.
Key Figures and Past Controversies
Among the individuals associated with the $PATRIOT coin is Republican strategist Dustin Stockton. Stockton previously faced federal investigation concerning his involvement with 'We Build The Wall,' a fundraising campaign that resulted in Trump advisor Steve Bannon admitting guilt to donor fraud. Stockton has not yet commented on the matter.
The Sculptor's Artistic Journey and Future Outlook
From his studio in Zanesville, Ohio, Cottrill expresses immense pride in his extensive career and this particular creation. His impressive portfolio includes sculptures of at least 17 US presidents, alongside a notable Thomas Edison statue displayed at the US Capitol. He humorously noted, "When they mentioned 15 feet, it started to match my ego’s scale."
Cottrill revealed that the initial life-sized model took a month to complete, followed by three additional months for enlargement, bronze casting, and meticulous hand-finishing by his dedicated team. He described the final piece as "overpowering" and "mammoth."
The artistic process wasn't without disagreements. Cottrill recalled sculpting the then-79-year-old Republican's "turkey neck," only for the crypto sponsors to request a more idealized, less true-to-life depiction. Trump’s distinctive hair presented another significant hurdle. "His hair was incredibly difficult to sculpt," he exclaimed, struggling to find the right word, "You can't sculpt and cast something that is... wispy." When asked about his overall experience with the cryptocurrency sector, Cottrill's response was direct: "Simply put, I will not engage in such a project again."
A New Home for "Don Colossus"
Despite the prolonged delays, the 'Don Colossus' statue now appears to have found a permanent home. Over a year after its completion, the sculpture is slated for installation at the Trump National Doral golf resort in Miami. Cottrill personally oversaw the placement of its base last month, though an official unveiling date remains unannounced.
