State Department official raises concerns over bull statue for U.S. pavilion

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau has expressed reservations regarding plans to feature a bull statue at the upcoming Expo 2027 Belgrade. In internal communications, Landau noted that the proposed imagery, intended to celebrate the American West, could be perceived as a reference to the golden calf described in the book of Exodus. He suggested that such a display might become a distraction due to its historical and religious associations with idolatry.

Landau, who identifies as Catholic, further linked the concept of a golden bull to ancient Canaanite religious symbolism, specifically referencing the deity Baal. He also noted that critics often use the Wall Street "Charging Bull" statue as a metaphor for modern material fixation. While the bull statue remains a point of discussion, officials have already canceled plans for a mechanical bucking bull exhibit, citing concerns over potential liability in Serbia.