“I very much appreciate their support, and all that they went through to get it done! They are very good people,” Trump added. “Those playing the Blue Monster, at Doral, are absolutely in love with it. Congratulations to all involved. With time, it will become a landmark.”
Trump has repeatedly championed the statue erected in his honor.
The President phoned into the unveiling ceremony to thank Pastor Burns for being with him “from the beginning.” He later referred to the artwork as “the real deal” and said those responsible for making it happen were “great American patriots.” But others have been less enthusiastic about the golden design.
Pastor Burns defended the installation via a lengthy public statement after critics compared it to the biblical golden calf, a symbol associated with idolatry.
“What amazes me is how quickly some people have compared this beautiful statue, created, and made possible by more than 6,000 patriots, to a golden calf or idol worship,” he said. “Let me be very clear. We worship the Lord Jesus Christ and him alone.”