Donald Trump met with protests and the “Baby Trump” inflatable balloon when he landed in Dayton, Ohio, on Wednesday to meet victims’ families and local leaders in the wake of a mass shooting that claimed nine lives.
Organizers raised enough money in recent days to have the 20-foot balloon transported from Chicago to Dayton before Trump arrives Wednesday, according to The Washington Post [1].
The balloon, depicting Trump as an angry baby in a diaper holding a cellphone, was filled with air instead of helium.
The balloon was also holding a sign that reads: “Welcome to Toledo Dayton! Don’t be a baby — Stand up to the NRA.” The word “Toledo” will be crossed out, a reference to Trump’s gaffe when he mixed up the Ohio cities during a televised address Monday.
The Trump baby blimp greeted Trump in Dayton pic.twitter.com/BumNXu9ppM [2]
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 7, 2019
The blimp has become a staple at various events Trump has attended, following him to London earlier this year after first appearing there in 2018.
It has also been present at Trump rallies as a symbol of protest.
Local protesters are planning a demonstration just south of downtown Dayton to go along with the “Baby Trump” blimp.
Trump is expected to receive a chilly reception from local leaders in both Dayton and El Paso, Texas, Wednesday as he visits the two cities rocked by mass shootings over the weekend.
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley (D) said she plans to tell Trump how “unhelpful” he has been.
Take a look at some of the protests:
Crowds gather outside a hospital in Dayton, Ohio, where President Trump is set to visit, holding up an inflatable "baby Trump" balloon and signs that say "do something," "no gun no trigger," and "go back where you came from" https://t.co/1RDYTyZEm4 [3] pic.twitter.com/6PAmAmfAyJ [4]
— Deena Zeina Zaru 👩🏻💻 (@Deena_Zaru) August 7, 2019 [5]
Large protest underway in Dayton against Trump’s visit to the city. #DaytonStrong [6] @DIFA_District10 [7] pic.twitter.com/mg2usXcuRC [8]
— Mike Turner is a Terrible Congressman Podcast (@mikeisterrible) August 7, 2019 [9]
Large protest against Donald Trump’s visit to Dayton Ohio #DaytonStrong [6] @DIFA_District10 [7] pic.twitter.com/vxOBGWQJl4 [10]
— Mike Turner is a Terrible Congressman Podcast (@mikeisterrible) August 7, 2019 [11]