Pastor Defends Golden Trump Statue From Biblical Backlash

The pastor behind a newly erected, golden statue of President Donald Trump at one of his Florida golf courses has defended the project following criticism that the homage violates biblical prohibitions against worshipping "false gods."

John Mark Burns, an American evangelical minister and spiritual adviser to the president, led the ceremony this week unveiling the 22-foot statue at Trump National Doral Miami. Burns was joined by dozens of religious figures at the event, and described the effigy as "a celebration of life and a powerful symbol of resilience, freedom, patriotism, courage, and the will to keep fighting for America.



The statue was unveiled amid broader criticism over what opponents describe as increasingly personality-driven branding around Trump, from branded Bibles and sneakers to the recent renaming of parts of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Trump himself celebrated the event, sharing an image of the statue on Truth Social; calling it the "real deal" and saying it was "put there by great American Patriots."

However, the event has drawn backlash from other religious figures, including Reverend Benjamin Cremer, a commenter known for having a progressive Christian perspective, who labeled this a breach of the Bible's prohibition against idolatry.

"Let me be very clear. We worship the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone," Burns wrote on X in response to such criticisms.

"This statue was not created for worship. It was created as a symbol of resilience, patriotism, courage, and gratitude," Burns wrote. "It was created to honor a man whom many may disagree with, but millions of Americans believe has done extraordinary things to make this nation stronger."

This is a developing story. More to come.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 10, 2026 at 4:21 AM.