Trump Golden Statue Sparks Controversy at CPAC

As the first full day of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) kicks off, a 'golden calf' statue of former President Donald Trump appears in shorts and slippers.

The conference was dedicated to the future of the conservative movement, as speakers pledged on Friday their allegiance to Trump and paused to take selfies with a golden statue.

The statue, standing more than 6 feet tall, attracted attendees as it found a home in the stall of a conservative nonprofit called Look Ahead America.

[caption id="attachment_217302" align="aligncenter" width="959"] A statue of former president Donald Trump on display at the merchandise show at the Conservative Political Action Conference[/caption]

The statue shows up as the Republicans are still deeply pided over the extent to which they should embrace Trump after losing the White House and the Congress.

Tommy Zigan, an artist from California, created the Trump statue in response to the multiple pieces of art that mock Trump.

[caption id="attachment_217303" align="aligncenter" width="959"] Donald Trump Jr., speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Friday, in Orlando[/caption]

Zegan said the piece on display at CPAC is actually a real sculpture fiberglass mold in stainless steel currently stored in a warehouse in Tampa as it awaits a potentially high-profile display. "It's a museum quality, and I ultimately hope to get in the Trump library. It is literally priceless," Zegan added.

Meanwhile, Republicans downplayed the significance of the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol by a pro-Trump rally that disrupted the peaceful transfer of power, lifting Trump's responsibility for the violence. The party speakers played down the attack and blamed outsiders.

[caption id="attachment_217304" align="aligncenter" width="958"] A woman takes a photo with a golden Donald Trump statue at the Conservative Political Action (CPAC) conference[/caption]

The CPAC is a landmark event in Republican politics, one of the first gatherings of prominent conservative voices and will host the former president as the keynote speaker on Sunday's event.

[caption id="attachment_217301" align="aligncenter" width="959"] Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Orlando[/caption]