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Trump Praises Golden Statue; Pastor Defends Amid Idol Criticism

5/15/2026

45 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump phoned into unveiling of a golden statue erected in his honor, praised it as “the real deal,” and thanked Pastor Burns.
Pastor Burns issued a public statement defending the statue after critics likened it to the biblical golden calf, a symbol of idolatry.
Trump said patrons of the Blue Monster in Doral love the statue, that it will become a landmark, and called its creators patriots.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump phoned into unveiling of a golden statue erected in his honor, praised it as “the real deal,” and thanked Pastor Burns.
Pastor Burns issued a public statement defending the statue after critics likened it to the biblical golden calf, a symbol of idolatry.
Trump said patrons of the Blue Monster in Doral love the statue, that it will become a landmark, and called its creators patriots.