A bronze statue of former President Donald Trump was unveiled Saturday at Rapid City’s Elks Theater, sparking both cheers and protests.
The unveiling of a new Donald Trump statue sparks celebration
A life-size statue of Donald Trump was unveiled in Rapid City, South Dakota, drawing applause from supporters and vocal protests from critics gathered outside the ceremony.
The bronze statue, part of the City of Presidents project, depicts Trump mid-speech, standing at a podium with his signature red tie and hand gesture.
Around 100 supporters attended the unveiling at the Elks Theater, while another 100 protesters gathered nearby at Main Street Square, voicing strong opposition.
Artist Jim Maher was warned before sculpting the controversial Trump statue.
The Trump statue was created by local sculptor Jim Maher, who has previously made 11 other presidential figures for the City of Presidents collection.
Maher admitted he hesitated before accepting the Trump commission. He feared it could harm his career due to Trump’s polarizing legacy.
“I had friends say it would ruin my career,” Maher said. “Others said it’d be my best work. The truth is probably somewhere in between.”
He continued: “I had friends that told me it would ruin my career. I had other friends tell me that it’d be the greatest thing I’d ever done. I think the truth is probably somewhere in the middle of that.”
The statue includes a small Twitter logo on the podium. It references Trump’s heavy social media use and its impact on his public image.
New Trump sculpture adds a modern twist to Rapid City’s historic presidential trail
The Donald Trump statue joins more than 40 presidents featured throughout downtown Rapid City, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan.
City of Presidents is a privately funded, nonpartisan art project that began in 2000 and aims to honor each U.S. president with a unique bronze sculpture.
Maher noted that Trump’s second term influenced how he might have approached the statue if he started later, citing growing political intensity and shifting public mood.
Supporters praise Trump’s achievements, officials note division
Donor Paul Bradsky, whose family funded the statue, praised Trump’s leadership, calling him “a president who made history” and credited his America First agenda.
Former Mayor Steve Allender highlighted key achievements of Trump’s presidency, including the USMCA trade deal.
He also mentioned criminal justice reform and the Abraham Accords as major accomplishments.
Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun responded to the protests surrounding the statue.
He called it “the story of America” and stressed the importance of hearing diverse opinions.
On social media, viewers had mixed reactions to the Trump statue
On person said: Great job just like our President
A second wrote: At least they got his baby greasy hands right.
While a third commented: I enjoyed seeing the statues last summer, even the ones I don’t politically agree with.
Another added: Love it! Next, his face on Mt Rushmore would be the icing on the cake!
If all goes his way he’ll be up in the top 4 of the best presidents. But, things have to improve by summer’s end! Someone said.
The Trump statue is on display before its permanent move this fall.
The sculpture is currently showcased at the Rapid City Visitor Center. And it will be moved to 6th and St. Joseph Streets later in the year.
Each City of Presidents statue costs around $100,000.
Visit Rapid City, which manages the long-running public art initiative, is now celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The next figure planned is President Joe Biden, whose statue is in early development, although the artist responsible for the design has not yet been named.