Don Colossus: $300,000 Gilded Trump Statue Nears Installation at Florida Golf Resort Amid Crypto Hype and Legal Disputes
By Perplexity News Staff
Miami, Florida – A towering 15-foot bronze statue of President Donald Trump, gilded in gold leaf and dubbed “Don Colossus,” stands ready for unveiling at Trump National Doral Golf Resort & Spa, thanks to a group of cryptocurrency investors who shelled out $300,000 in tribute to his pro-crypto stance.
The monumental sculpture, perched atop a 7,000-pound concrete and stainless-steel base, reaches the height of a two-story building. Its name, a playful nod to “Giant Don,” captures Trump’s larger-than-life persona in the eyes of its backers. The project, born from a Telegram group chat in July 2024 following Trump’s survival of an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, has evolved from a wild meme coin marketing stunt into a tangible landmark.[1]
According to reports, a base for the statue was installed last month at the Doral resort, one of Trump’s prized Florida properties. Message records reviewed by The New York Times reveal that Mark Burns, a project organizer and longtime Trump ally, informed collaborators of the president’s plans to attend the local unveiling ceremony. This development signals the statue’s imminent public debut, potentially drawing crowds of supporters, crypto enthusiasts, and curious onlookers to the golf course.[1]
From Telegram Hype to Bronze Reality
The genesis of “Don Colossus” traces back to the feverish world of cryptocurrency trading. In the immediate aftermath of the July 2024 Butler rally – where Trump raised his bloodied fist in defiance – a group of investors in a Telegram channel, popular among crypto speculators for tips and token promotions, hatched the idea. They commissioned the statue to honor what they see as Trump’s pivotal role in elevating cryptocurrencies from niche speculation to mainstream political discourse.[1]
Trump’s vocal support for digital assets has been a cornerstone of his recent public image. During his campaigns and presidency, he has championed deregulation, criticized central bank digital currencies, and even launched his own branded meme coin ventures. Proponents argue this statue not only celebrates that advocacy but serves as a bold marketing ploy for the backers’ memecoin, blending art, politics, and blockchain hype in unprecedented fashion.[1][2]
The sculpture itself is a feat of craftsmanship. Cast in bronze and lavishly coated with gold leaf, it demands attention with its imposing scale and opulent finish. Investors reportedly insisted on an exceptionally tall design and specific aesthetic tweaks to emphasize Trump’s iconic features – from his signature hair to his determined expression.[1]
Legal Clouds Over the Golden Giant
Behind the glitz, however, lurks controversy. Sculptor Andrew Cottrill, who created the original artwork, claims the crypto investors used his design to promote their token without permission, infringing on his intellectual property rights. Initially unaware of the crypto angle when approached in 2024, Cottrill negotiated a deal last fall: $150,000 for the statue’s IP rights. Yet, he alleges the group still owes him approximately $90,000, including unpaid balances and additional fees.[1]
“This should have been Cottrill’s moment of triumph — yet he says he’s had enough of the crypto investors behind the project,” reports detail, highlighting the sculptor’s frustration after months of delays and disputes.[1]
Cottrill’s grievances add a layer of uncertainty to the installation. While the base is in place and unveiling plans are circulating, any escalation in the payment dispute could delay or derail the project. Neither the investors nor Trump’s team have publicly commented on the legal hiccup, leaving questions about the statue’s final home unresolved.[1]
Crypto Meets Politics at Doral
Trump National Doral Golf Club, a sprawling 800-acre resort in Miami-Dade County, has long been a hub for high-profile events and Trump family ventures. Installing “Don Colossus” here would align with the property’s status as a symbol of Trump’s business empire and political comeback. The resort, once purchased out of bankruptcy in 2012, has hosted everything from golf tournaments to political fundraisers.[1]
For the crypto community, the statue represents more than fandom. Memecoins – volatile tokens driven by internet memes and celebrity endorsements – have exploded in value during Trump’s pro-crypto rhetoric. Projects tied to his image have seen massive pumps, with investors betting on his influence to legitimize and boost the sector. “Don Colossus” could become a pilgrimage site for this demographic, merging physical monument with digital speculation.[2]
Critics, however, decry the project as extravagant self-promotion. In an era of polarized politics, a gold-plated Trump statue funded by anonymous crypto wallets raises eyebrows about influence peddling and the blurring lines between campaign finance, art, and advertising. Supporters counter that it’s a fitting tribute to a leader who has reshaped America’s stance on innovation.[1]
What’s Next for the Colossus?
As of early 2026, all eyes are on Doral. Will President Trump grace the unveiling, fist raised once more? Will Cottrill receive his dues, securing the statue’s legitimacy? And can the memecoin behind it capitalize on the buzz without crashing amid market whims?
The saga of “Don Colossus” encapsulates the surreal intersection of cryptocurrency mania, political idolatry, and artistic ambition. In a world where memes mint millions and statues symbolize power, this golden giant may stand as the ultimate crypto-political flex – if it stands at all.
This story is based on reports from TechFlowPost and other sources. Developments are ongoing.