Trump Statue Gilded in Gold, Trapped in Payment and Copyright Dispute
Updated Feb. 11, 2026, 9:10 a.m. ET
ZANESVILLE – A 15-foot-tall statue of former President Donald Trump, completed in January 2025, remains at a foundry on Old Coopermill Road, now covered in gold leaf. Teh statue’s future is uncertain, entangled in an eight-month dispute involving unpaid invoices and allegations of copyright infringement between sculptor Alan Cottrill and $PATRIOT, a cryptocurrency group centered around a Trump-themed memecoin.
Cottrill, a Zanesville-based sculptor, created the imposing likeness of the former president. The project initially garnered attention for its scale and ambition.However, the celebratory unveiling has been indefinitely postponed due to the ongoing financial and legal challenges.
The core of the conflict revolves around payment for the completed artwork. $PATRIOT,the cryptocurrency group,commissioned the statue as a promotional centerpiece. Sources indicate a significant payment impasse has developed, with Cottrill claiming ample outstanding balances. The exact amount remains undisclosed, but the dispute has escalated to involve legal counsel for both parties.
Adding complexity to the situation are claims of copyright infringement. Cottrill alleges that $PATRIOT has utilized images and likenesses of the statue in promotional materials without proper authorization, possibly violating his intellectual property rights. These allegations further complicate negotiations and cast a shadow over the project’s completion.
Representatives from $PATRIOT have offered limited public comment,stating they are actively working to resolve the issues and intend to honor their commitments. Though, they have also suggested that the statue does not fully meet the agreed-upon specifications, contributing to the payment delays.
The statue itself, now gleaming with gold leaf, represents a considerable investment. Its current location at the foundry serves as a stark reminder of the unresolved issues. Local residents and observers are closely following the situation, hoping for a resolution that will allow the artwork to be publicly displayed.
The dispute highlights the emerging complexities of commissioning artwork within the rapidly evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and digital assets. It raises questions about contract enforcement, intellectual property protection, and the potential risks associated with engaging in projects tied to volatile digital currencies.