Trump baby blimp given go ahead to fly over London during UK state visit
‘Well, if Trump’s back, then Trump Baby needs to be there to greet him,’ say organisers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A gigantic balloon which depicts Donald Trump as an angry orange baby has been given the go-ahead to fly over London during the US president’s state visit.
The Greater London Authority, headed by the capital’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, gave the green light for the huge inflatable effigy to be released.
Organisers plan to fly the “Trump Baby” which depicts the world leader in a nappy clutching a mobile phone, over Parliament Square on Tuesday.
This is the second day of the US president’s state visit and thousands are expected to march in protest against the three-day trip.
The protesters are now waiting permission from London’s Metropolitan Police who allowed the Trump Baby to fly during Mr Trump’s visit to the capital last July.
The Trump Baby team, which is part of the Stop Trump coalition, have said they are confident police will allow the balloon to fly again.
The organisers had said they would only fly it, if the public donated £30,000 for charities “pushing back against the politics of hate and division”.
Having successfully reached that total, they said it will now take to the skies.
The money will go to three UK and three US groups. In the UK, it will go to the UK Student Climate Network, Jawaab, which fights racism and Islamaphobia, and Sisters Uncut, which addresses domestic violence.
In the US, climate change activists the Sunrise Movement, immigrant support group, United We Dream and abortion rights group Planned Parenthood, will also receive some of the money.
The organisers are now hoping to raise £50,000.
“Let’s just say things didn’t go so well for Donald last time round, as Trump Baby spread around the globe like a climate change fuelled wildfire – publicly torching his fragile ego before sending him packing with two fingers firmly raised,” they added. “Well, if Trump’s back, then Trump Baby needs to be there to greet him,” they said in a statement.
Mr Trump was also greeted by massive protests during his state visit to the UK last year.
At the time, the president said that although he “used to love London as a city,” he felt “unwelcome” because of the demonstrations.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments