At Mar-a-Lago, a Trump-themed goat sculpture has become the center of controversy, drawing ire from Christian communities for its resemblance to a golden calf. The sculpture, part of the Project GOAT initiative aimed at fighting child sex trafficking, features fake $100 bills with Trump's face instead of Benjamin Franklin's and the phrase 'In Trump We Trust' replacing the traditional 'In God We Trust.'
Rob and Debbie Canton, founders of the project from Tampa, Florida, introduced these Grady Goat sculptures as a creative fundraising tool, with the first crafted in 2019. However, one specific goat displayed at Trump's residence ahead of a February 27 charity auction has caught particular attention for its lavish design and religious undertones.
The goat’s design, which includes golden hooves and Trump's signature, has been criticized on social media for its idol-like appearance, with some Christians comparing it to the biblical golden calf, an ancient symbol of idolatry.
The backlash intensified after the left-leaning PatriotTakes account highlighted the sculpture, wrapped in Trump-adorned currency, as a replacement of divine trust with presidential adulation.
At Mar-a-Lago, a bizarre, golden-hoofed goat idol is on display.
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) February 10, 2025
The idol is wrapped in Trump $100 bills that say, “In Trump we Trust,” replacing God with Trump.
The idols’ base says, “I love you” along with Trump’s signature. pic.twitter.com/ArcQuVhnxC
I don’t know how much clearer an example you can get of an idol to worship a false god than this… honestly, what are Christians doing? https://t.co/0FYVzTX3s9 pic.twitter.com/dSwcRqSVDd
— KC Gleason 💙🍁 (@ge_kaitlyn) February 11, 2025
If the Golden Goat with In Trump We Trust doesn't wake Christians up, nothing ever will. pic.twitter.com/j735Ioacu7
— RacquelMorris- Facetiously Sarcastic😜😉🙃 (@RacquelRMorris) February 11, 2025
On display at Mar-A-Lago: A golden-hoofed goat, wrapped in fake $100 bills with Trump's picture and the word Trump replaces the word "God" in the line "in God we trust"
— A Liberal in Texas 🤠 (@BlueTXvoter) February 10, 2025
Say it with me now:
TOTALLY NOT A CULT...
TOTALLY NOT A CULT... pic.twitter.com/XZeai1i5Xm
Despite the controversy, the creator Rob Canton appreciates the diverse reactions his work has elicited and values Trump's support, which he believes underscores the former president's commitment to combating human trafficking and supporting charities like Big Dog Ranch Rescue and The Hometown Foundation.
As the debate continues online with references to biblical teachings against idol worship, the sculpture remains set for auction at the end of the month, promising to contribute to several charitable causes while remaining a symbol of division among observers.
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