Fact check: Was Trump's golden statue at Mar-a-Lago vandalized? Here's the truth behind viral photo

A viral image claiming Donald Trump’s Doral Golf Club statue was vandalized appears AI-generated, with no proof of damage. A giant statue of President Donald Trump was unveiled at his Doral golf course in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday, May 6. The photo has since grabbed headlines with critics accusing the POTUS of being obsessed with himself. Donald Trump speaks at an event hosting the 2026 College Football Playoff national champions Indiana University. (AP)Meanwhile, a photo has been circulating on social media that claims that the statue at Doral National Golf Club was vandalized. The photo went viral big time on X, Facebook, TikTok and other social media platform. In the viral photo, the golden statue can be seen purportedly dismembered and lying on the ground near the pedestal where it originally stood. However, the image is likely AI-generated, and in line with a host of other AI reimaginations of the image. Ht.com can confirm that Trump's golden statue at Doral was not vandalized. No news reports or official updates from Trump's team have confirmed the incident. Here's the viral photo:Why Trump's Golden Statue Is ControversialThe golden statue of Donald Trump at Doral National Golf Club has sparked a massive backlash over its inauguration. The statue has been financed by cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and Trump supporters. It is being called "Don Colossus."Also read: Trump warns to ‘blow up’ anyone who approaches Iran's enriched uranium as US keeps watchful eyeThe statue has caused a row because of the inauguration ceremony. The inauguration of the 15-foot statue involved a dedication ceremony by an evangelical pastor. It led to criticism along the lines of when Trump had uploaded an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus. Many questioned the dedication ceremony, whether the statue was meant to be worshipped. But pastor Mark Burns, a televangelist and Trump ally, who presided over the dedication, denied the claims. Also read: Trump appears to fall asleep again at Oval Office event as video sparks health concerns; watchIn an X post, Burns wrote: "Let me say this plainly: this is not a golden calf. This statue is not about worship. It is about honor. It is a celebration of life and a powerful symbol of resilience, freedom, patriotism, courage, and the will to keep fighting for America.""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 added. Let me be very clear. We worship the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone. Honor is not worship. Respect is not idolatry."So far, Trump or his team has not responded to the criticism around the statue. Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously. Read More