A massive 12-foot golden statue of President Donald Trump clutching a Bitcoin has been unveiled outside the US Capitol, instantly capturing public attention and igniting waves of both admiration and criticism. The gleaming installation, funded by a coalition of cryptocurrency investors, was strategically revealed on the same day the Federal Reserve announced a 25-basis-point cut in interest rates. The timing, as well as the imagery, has made the statue a symbol of more than just artistic expression—it has become a flashpoint for debate about the evolving relationship between politics, digital assets, and the US financial system.
According to ABC affiliate WJLA, organisers behind the statue said the work was designed to spark dialogue about the role of cryptocurrency in reshaping global finance and to highlight questions of monetary policy and government regulation in an increasingly digital economy. They noted that President Trump’s frequent and vocal endorsements of cryptocurrency made him a natural figure to embody this debate. The statue itself, striking in both size and symbolism, is being hailed by supporters as a tribute to Trump’s unapologetic stance on Bitcoin and decentralised finance.
Throughout the day, crowds of onlookers gathered to view and photograph the towering monument, while social media platforms quickly filled with images and videos of the statue. Many posts celebrated Trump as a champion of crypto enthusiasts, praising the installation as both a political statement and a cultural milestone. Others, however, questioned the appropriateness of the spectacle, especially given its location at the steps of the Capitol and its implicit connection between political power and speculative digital markets.
The unveiling coincided with a significant economic announcement. The Federal Reserve revealed its first interest rate cut of the year—lowering the benchmark short-term rate by a quarter-point, from 4.3 percent to roughly 4.1 percent. This marked the Fed’s first reduction since December 2024 and came with plans for two additional cuts later in 2025, though only one is projected for 2026. Analysts noted that the restrained outlook might dampen Wall Street’s hopes for a more aggressive easing cycle.
Trump, who has long maintained a combative relationship with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, now faces heightened scrutiny over how he will respond to the central bank’s decision. His reaction will carry weight not only for markets but also for the ongoing debate about the Fed’s independence, monetary policy, and the role of cryptocurrency in the broader financial landscape.
As the statue looms over the Capitol grounds, it stands as both a literal and figurative monument to Trump’s political influence and the growing prominence of Bitcoin in global discourse. Whether seen as bold art, provocative protest, or partisan spectacle, the golden figure ensures that the conversation around crypto, power, and policy will remain firmly in the public spotlight.
