Gavin Newsom took a shot at Donald Trump after a gold-colored statue honoring the president was unveiled at Mar-a-Lago.
Video from the event showed a crowd of MAGA supporters and evangelical leaders gathered around the statue, which depicts Trump with his fist raised in the air and draped in a blue-and-white sash. The clip circulated online with the caption: “MAGA evangelical leaders gather in Mar-a-Lago to bless and dedicate a gold statue dedicated to Donald Trump.”
During the gathering, Trump addressed the crowd over speakerphone, praising the statue and thanking supporters for organizing the event.
“The statue is beautiful,” Trump said, adding that he had seen it during the weekend while attending a PGA tournament at the property. “I got to look at it very closely, and it’s incredible.”
He also thanked pastor Mark Burns, calling him “a good man” who had supported him from the beginning.
Trump then shifted to broader political messaging, telling supporters the country was “doing great” while claiming Iran was “not doing well at all because of us.” He said he wished he could attend in person but was focused on making sure “everything is going perfect on the war front.”
The crowd responded with loud cheers throughout the remarks.
Newsom later shared the video on X and responded with a pointed biblical reference rather than a direct comment, posting: “Do not turn idols or make metal gods for yourselves — Leviticus 19:4.”
The exchange quickly sparked debate online.
Critics of the event argued that the statue and ceremony reflected a growing cult of personality around Trump, while supporters defended it as a symbolic tribute from loyal backers.
One social media user wrote that “making a statue of yourself is pathetic,” while another called the display “embarrassing.” Others pushed back against the criticism and accused Newsom of politicizing the moment.
The unveiling is just the latest example of how Trump continues to blur the line between politics, celebrity culture, and personal branding—something that has defined much of his political career and continues to energize both supporters and critics alike.
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