90-Foot Hanuman Statue in Texas Sparks Debate Ahead of US Midterms

A 90-foot Hanuman statue in Sugar Land, Texas, has become a subject of political discussion ahead of the US midterm elections. The ‘Statue of Union’, located at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple, was inaugurated in August 2024. The issue resurfaced after YouTuber Jesse Hughes shared a photograph of the statue on social media and wrote, “Btw, when we win, we are tearing this down.” Hughes did not specify what he meant by “we.” Hindu organisations and several Hindu Americans have objected to the remark.

The statue had faced opposition from some groups even after its inauguration. In August 2024, a local church group held a demonstration near the monument, according to the Houston Chronicle. The latest controversy has brought renewed discussion around religious freedom, the place of Hindu Americans in US society and the role of religious issues in election-season politics. The statue remains at the temple premises, with the temple’s official website describing it as a 90-foot statue of Hanuman.