Trump official voices concern about exhibition statue resembling 'golden calf' in Exodus: report
A high-ranking Trump administration official reportedly voiced concerns about American-led plans to display a bull statue at an upcoming international exhibit over concerns that it resembled a Canaanite deity condemned in the Bible.
According to Axios, Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau sent an email to staffers on Aug. 19 in which he said he was “concerned about the Golden Bull imagery” that was under discussion for Expo 2027 Belgrade, an international exposition set to debut in Belgrade next May. The bull was intended as part of a U.S. pavilion exhibit celebrating the American West.
Landau, who identifies as Catholic, reportedly wrote: “I remain somewhat concerned by the Golden Bull imagery! Did a quick internet search and don't want it to become a distraction. The golden calf from the Bible is often portrayed as a golden bull."
The golden calf is an idol described in the Old Testament’s book of Exodus, whose construction by the Israelites enraged Moses upon his return from receiving the Ten Commandments. Idol worship is expressly forbidden under the Commandments.
In addition to sharing links and images related to golden calf worship, Axios reported that Landau cited Wall Street’s iconic “Charging Bull” statue as a modern-day example of the worship of Baal, an Old Testament deity to whom the Canaanites offered their children in human sacrifice as a form of worship.
"The imagery of a golden bull or calf is frequently invoked metaphorically today," Landau reportedly wrote. "For instance, critics and commentators sometimes compare modern financial fixations, typified by the famous Charging Bull statue on Wall Street to the ancient worship of material idols."
In another excerpt, Landau reportedly linked the “golden bull” to “Canaanite and Near Eastern religious symbolism” related to “the storm and fertility god Baal” from the book of Exodus.
"The term 'baal golden bull' connects ancient Canaanite and Near Eastern religious symbolism — specifically the storm and fertility god Baal, whose common symbol was the sacred bull — with the biblical narrative of the golden calf from the book of Exodus,” wrote Landau.
A separate concept — a mechanical bucking bull that visitors could ride — was scrapped after State Department officials determined liability exposure in Serbia was too great. Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers is technically responsible for planning the exposition, but a senior official told Axios that Landau effectively "hijacked" the process.
Landau’s office did not respond to a CP request for comment. This article will be updated if a response is received.
A lifelong Catholic, Landau served as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico under President Donald Trump from 2019 to 2021. He was an attorney for nearly 30 years prior to his public service.
Trump himself has drawn comparisons to the golden calf of Exodus after unveiling a 22-foot bronze figure of himself covered in gold leaf earlier this year. Titled “Don Colossus,” the statue was unveiled in May at Trump National Doral, the president’s golf course in Miami.
Ian M. Giatti is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ian.giatti@christianpost.com.
