A Texas Republican official has sparked controversy after criticizing a 90-foot statue of the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman, known as the 'Statue of Union,' in Sugar Land, Texas. Alexander Duncan, a party leader, called the U.S. a “Christian nation” and questioned the presence of the statue, posting on X: "Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation."

Duncan further cited the Bible, quoting Exodus 20:3-4: "You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea."

The remarks drew immediate backlash from the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), which described the statements as "anti-Hindu and inflammatory" and formally reported them to the Texas Republican Party. Social media users also reminded Duncan that the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, with many urging respect for Hinduism’s ancient heritage.

Unveiled in 2024, the 'Statue of Union' is among the tallest Hindu monuments in the U.S., envisioned by Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji, and ranks as the third-tallest statue in the country.