Falling flat, the Trump stunt that shames UK
THE much-touted baby Trump balloon stunt fell flat yesterday as it struggled to get off the ground and critics condemned it as an ‘absolute disgrace’.
The 20ft high inflatable, depicting the President in a nappy and holding a mobile phone, formed the centrepiece of early protests in Parliament Square.
Graphic mock-ups of what the caricature would look like had showed it soaring high above the Houses of Parliament. But in reality it was barely airborne as a team of ten ‘Trump babysitters’ fought to untangle it from its ropes.
As the inflatable Trump prepared for lift-off, two passing American planes were greeted by crude hand gestures and swearing from the boisterous crowd.
Many had turned up wearing ‘Trump is a **** ’ T-shirts, while others were handing out stickers that read ‘B **** cks to Brexit, B **** cks to Trump’ to passers-by.
Placards demanding the president’s impeachment for various ‘crimes’ were mixed with antiBrexit posters. They called for Mr Trump, Theresa May, Jacob ReesMogg and other Conservative Party members to be imprisoned for ‘conning’ the British people.
Around 20 volunteers formed a protective ring around the balloon, but supporters were outnumbered by journalists and bemused tourists.
Wendy Angel, 49, travelled from Newcastle for a small but vocal counter-protest. She said she was furious, adding: ‘I think it’s an absolute disgrace and embarrassment to our country.’
Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s decision to allow the balloon to fly over Parliament Square sparked huge controversy. Hours after Mr Trump landed for his fourday tour, he said the blimp and other protests may put him off from returning to London.
His lawyer Rudy Giuliani said: ‘Sadiq Khan should be ashamed of himself. He’s so busy attacking President Trump’s visit and, in the meantime, crime is spiralling in London. Maybe he should just do his job instead of attacking a world leader.’
Mr Khan took to the airwaves to defend his decision. He said: ‘The idea that we restrict freedom of speech, the right to assemble, the right to protest because somebody might be offended is a slippery slope. We have a rich history in this country of having a sense of humour as well.’