New York City, NY — In a controversial move that has sparked both praise and outrage, President Donald Trump has announced that the iconic Statue of Liberty will now be officially renamed the “Statue of America.” The decision, which was reportedly made to better reflect what Trump called “true American greatness,” was enacted via executive order, similar to his previous renaming of the Gulf of Mexico. The change includes a dramatic makeover featuring a fresh paint job, new design elements, and a brand-new inscription at the statue’s base.
During a press conference at the White House, the president outlined his vision for the rebranded monument. “Lady Liberty is great, she’s tremendous, but let’s be honest, the name ‘Statue of Liberty’ is outdated,” Trump stated. “America is about strength, success, and winning. That’s why we’re calling it the ‘Statue of America’—it’s stronger, it’s better, and quite frankly, it’s more beautiful.”
A Patriotic Paint Job and Bold New Design
According to sources close to the project, the traditionally green patina of the statue will be replaced with a more vibrant color scheme. The current plan involves painting the robe a dazzling red, white, and blue, while the torch will be plated in gold. Trump described the planned redesign as “truly the most American thing you’ve ever seen.”
Additionally, the tablet held in her left hand, currently inscribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, will instead bear the words “America First.” Reports also suggest that an LED lighting system will be installed to illuminate the statue in patriotic colors at night.
Artists and historians have raised concerns about altering the statue’s historical appearance, but Trump brushed off the criticism. “It’s going to look fantastic, believe me. The best artists, the best painters, they’re saying this will be a masterpiece,” he assured the crowd.
A New Inscription for a New Era
Perhaps even more controversial than the name change and the paint job is the replacement of the statue’s famous Emma Lazarus poem, The New Colossus. The plaque, which has long been associated with American immigration, will be swapped out for a new inscription written by Trump advisor and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.
The new text, recently published by the White House, reads as follows:
Gaze upon this towering sentinel of American might, its flame a beacon not for the tired or the weak, but for the strong and the proud. America is not a refuge; it is a fortress, a dominion of the bold and the loyal. Here we forge our destiny through strength, discipline, and an unbreakable will. Let no foreign tide dilute our purpose; let no hand reach out in entitlement. This nation, unrivaled and eternal, belongs to those who prove themselves worthy of its blessing. America bows to none, nor shall it serve any cause but its own. Let the world know: this nation is for its people first, last, and always. America First. America Forever!
When asked about the shift in messaging, Trump stated, “Look, the old inscription—it was written by some poet, Emma Lazarus, okay? Total leftist. People don’t talk about that, but it’s true. It was all about open borders, letting anyone in, no vetting, no accountability. ‘Give me your tired, your poor’—yeah, and look where that got us—crime, chaos, people taking advantage of our country—total disaster. We’ve been taken advantage of for decades. We’re not doing that anymore. This new message? It’s about strength, about pride, about putting America first. No more weakness. No more handouts. No more rewarding people for breaking the rules.”
Mixed Reactions Across the Country
Public response to the announcement has been deeply divided. Supporters of Trump praised the rebranding as a bold patriotic move. “It’s about time we had a statue that really represents the greatness of America,” said John Fischer, a Trump supporter from Texas.
Meanwhile, critics, including historians and preservationists, have decried the plan as an attack on national heritage. “This statue has stood for freedom and hope for generations,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of American history at Columbia University. “This move is an insult to everything it represents.”
What’s Next?
While legal challenges to the changes are expected, Trump has reportedly begun seeking private funding for the redesign, with sources suggesting the project could cost upwards of $500 million. Several of Trump’s business allies have already hinted at financial support, including billionaire donors and private organizations eager to see the transformation take place.
The National Park Service, which oversees the statue, has yet to issue an official statement, but sources say discussions are ongoing.
For now, New Yorkers and the nation wait to see whether the “Statue of America” will become a reality—or remain just another ambitious Trumpian vision.