Golden Trump Statue Holding Bitcoin Causes Stir at U.S. Capitol
WASHINGTON – Tourists and lawmakers on Capitol Hill were met with a surreal sight Wednesday morning: a 12-foot-tall, golden statue of former President Donald Trump, defiantly clutching a large Bitcoin, erected in the shadow of the Capitol dome.
The larger-than-life sculpture, which appeared overnight, was revealed to be a publicity stunt organized by a group of cryptocurrency investors. The organizers stated their goal was to create a powerful visual statement on the growing influence of the digital asset industry in American politics and to champion Trump as a potential ally for their cause.
"This isn't just about a statue; it's a symbol of a paradigm shift," said a spokesperson for the group, who identified themselves only as "Satoshi's Vanguard." "The crypto community is a powerful economic and voting bloc. We want Washington to know that we are here and that we believe a second Trump administration would foster innovation rather than stifle it with regulation."
The event highlights a remarkable turnaround in Donald Trump's relationship with cryptocurrency. Once a vocal skeptic who called Bitcoin "a scam against the dollar," Trump has recently embraced the industry. His 2024 presidential campaign became the first major-party campaign to accept donations in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin.
This pivot also coincides with significant financial ties between the Trump brand and the crypto world. Recent financial disclosures and reports indicate that the former president and his family have earned millions through various crypto-related ventures, including a series of popular NFT (non-fungible token) collections.
The statue itself drew a mixed reaction from the crowds that gathered throughout the day. Many onlookers snapped photos, with some praising the display as bold and creative, while others dismissed it as a gaudy and tasteless stunt.
"It's certainly an attention-getter," said Sarah Jenkins, a tourist from Ohio. "Whether you love him or hate him, you can't ignore a giant golden statue."
Critics, however, saw the display as a troubling symbol of money's influence in politics.
"This is a perfect metaphor for the crypto industry's attempt to buy political favor," commented one congressional aide who asked not to be named. "They're presenting a golden idol to a politician they hope will protect their interests from oversight and consumer protection."
While the statue is not expected to be a permanent fixture, its brief appearance has successfully ignited a conversation about the intersection of cryptocurrency, wealth, and the 2024 election, leaving a memorable, if metallic, impression on the nation's capital.