Officials in Hollywood have denied rumours they are planning to remove Donald Trump's star from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Mr Trump's star has been repeatedly targeted by vandals since his rise to prominence in the race for the Republican presidential nomination.
The landmark, which sits next to that of actor Kevin Spacey on Hollywood Boulevard, has been daubed with swastikas, mute symbols, crosses and even dog excrement.
But the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which runs the Walk of Fame, has dismissed speculation it is contemplating removing the controversial tycoon's star to avoid vandalism.
President Leron Gubler said: "The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a registered historic landmark.
"Once a star has been added to the Walk, it is considered a part of the historic fabric of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
"Because of this, we have never removed a star from the Walk."
Cleaning crews have become a regular feature at the star and the self-styled Ambassador of Hollywood has hit out at the vandals.
Gregg Donovan said: "I think it is wrong. If they want to show their anger, they should show it someplace else."
He also raised the safety issues associated with someone spitting or dropping an ice cream cone on the slippery pavement.
Mr Donovan says Mr Trump's star has become the most sought-after on the Walk in recent months with tourists from around the world hunting it down.
He admits some people are surprised that the real estate mogul has a star at all - and that some are embarrassed to ask for a photo with the landmark.
"This could be our next president," he tells a French family, as they carefully sidestep Mr Trump's currently unblemished honour. "Yes, I've heard," replied the mother.
It was placed there in 2007 to recognise Mr Trump's work as host of The Apprentice.
Tony Zazzi, visiting Hollywood on holiday from Florida, said he has been a fan of his campaign but now wanted to hear more policy plans.
On the vandalism, he said: "There's no need for that. That's not necessary, it accomplished nothing, just makes somebody clean them off.
"That's the good part of America though, there's freedom of speech. A lot of freedom."
And Robert Abe paused to tread on Trump's star and give it "the finger".
He said the vandalism was "not good" but that "he's got that coming to him. That's what he deserves".
Nearby, the Superman and Batman impersonators looked a little miffed at all the attention for The Donald.
But then, if not a superhero, it is possible he could be the real leader of the free world by next year.
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