Utah Pride event sparks outrage after exhibiting severed Trump head painting and pinata of Mike Lee

PROVO, UTAH: A Pride event in Utah has come under intense scrutiny after images surfaced showing a controversial artwork featuring Donald Trump and a piñata resembling Senator Mike Lee, both displayed during a gathering organized by the Cougar Pride Center earlier this month.

The event, titled “Pride in Progress,” took place on April 11 at Provo Memorial Park. While it was meant to be a community-focused gathering, the visuals shared online quickly sparked outrage and debate across social media platforms.

Cougar Pride Center distances itself from controversial artwork

According to multiple posts and local reporting, the event featured a painting depicting Trump’s head on a platter and a piñata resembling Mike Lee that was reportedly used by children.

The Cougar Pride Center, which describes itself as a resource for Brigham Young University students and the larger community, said it was not directly linked to the artist behind the painting.

“We are not associated with this artist and do not condone violence of any kind,” the organization said in a statement.

The group also highlighted its larger mission, noting on its website that it organizes large-scale events, including Pride celebrations and community programs aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ individuals.

Despite that, the images from the April 11 event quickly gained traction online, with many expressing concern over the nature of the displays.

BYU clarifies no connection to Pride event after backlash grows

As the controversy spread, Brigham Young University moved to clarify its position. In a post dated April 15, the university stated that it had no involvement in the event.

“This is not a BYU group, not a BYU-sponsored event, and did not happen on BYU campus,” the statement read.

A spokesperson later reiterated that the event was not affiliated with the university in any way.

The clarification came after social media users questioned whether the event had any ties to the institution, given the Cougar Pride Center’s association with BYU students.

One user on X commented, saying, "You don't see conservatives making art like this of liberal politicians they don't like."

Another said, "There is something very wrong with too many people. I've been saying for years it's the shots. They fried brains. And it was no accident."

Another added, "Sad, but not surprising. So many on the Left seem to be slipping the restraints of basic human morality."

Another user wrote, "Crazy left wingers are crazy everywhere. Imagine that."

Artist Sav Kubensis defends Donald Trump's painting as free speech

The artist behind the painting, identified as Sav Kubensis, defended her work, saying it was meant as a symbolic expression rather than a call to harm.

“While my art may not be politically correct, it isn’t a call to action or a threat — it is an expression of my 1st Amendment Right,” she said.

Kubensis also described the work as highly symbolic, adding that it may not appeal to everyone but was intended to convey a larger message.

“My work is highly symbolic and may not appeal to everyone, but my LDS grandma doesn’t have anything bad to say about it,” she added.

An Instagram post about the painting further explained the symbolism, referencing historical practices tied to power and punishment.

Political reactions intensify as images circulate online

The controversy drew political reactions as well. Mike Lee shared images from the event on social media, questioning how the situation reflected on BYU.

“How does @BYU feel about this?” he asked in a repost.

Meanwhile, a White House spokesperson issued a strong response to the images circulating online.

“These sick freaks need to seriously get their heads examined and seek psychiatric help to treat their severe and debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome,” the spokesperson said.

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MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.