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Metro
7 days ago
- Politics
- Metro
Giant Donald Trump baby blimp will float above London again when President visits UK
Activists are plotting to relaunch the Donald Trump baby balloon when the President jets to the UK for his historic second official visit in September, Metro can reveal. The blimp, a giant, six-metre-long inflatable depicting Trump as a baby in a nappy grasping a mobile phone, became a symbol of protests against the controversial leader on his first state visit as President in July 2018. It was flown in the skies above Parliament as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets. During the parade, it was flanked by a group of campaigners in red flying suits who were dubbed 'Trump babysitters'. The balloon later spawned copycat versions of London Mayor Sadiq Khan and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, which were flown in 2018 and 2019, as well as counterfeit merchandise, including t-shirts and bobblehead figures. Leo Murray, who came up with the idea of the blimp to mock the President, has now revealed he is considering re-launching the inflatable or commissioning another for the visit later this year. Leo, from north London, told Metro: 'We will consider getting the blimp up again. It was very effective last time. The way it made fun of him worked. It certainly was eye-catching and gave everyone a smile. But the danger of Trump is worse than ever now. 'The original one is now in the Museum of London so we would have to speak to them. We crowdfunded the first one so maybe we could do that again and get a new one. It's too early to say but we will have plans. 'It's more vital than ever to protest. He should not be coming for a second visit the way Britain's sucking up to him is not what people here want to see, it's very poor. 'His first presidency was bad enough but in the end he didn't get to do much. This time round he is much more dangerous- we have to oppose this visit and make ourselves heard.' To create the blimp, Leo worked with designer Matt Bonner. It was then built by Leicestershire-based company, Imagine Inflatables. While the majority of people praised the inflatable, it faced some criticism, including from the President himself. Trump said at the time the blimp made him feel unwanted, adding: 'I guess when they put out blimps to make me feel unwelcome, no reason for me to go to London. 'I used to love London as a city. I haven't been there in a long time. But when they make you feel unwelcome, why would I stay there?' Nigel Farage also described it at the time as 'the biggest insult to a sitting US President ever.' In response to the criticism, the office of London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the balloon was recognised as a legitimate form of demonstration, which is why it was allowed to fly. It was later flown in Ireland during protests in 2019 but plans to launch it over Trump's Turnberry golf course in Scotland that year were halted after the authorities refused permission. The Museum of London has since bought the original blimp and has it on display in its protest collection. It described the blimp as an 'extraordinary and imaginative idea' and a 'response from Londoners'. The Museum's director, Sharon Ament, said the blimp was an example of the British love of satire. She said: 'We use humour a lot. And we poke fun at politicians. This is a big – literally – example of that.' Leo added: 'Last time the blimp was very effective and could be again. 'The world is a much more dangerous place because of Trump winning the presidency again. We need to make our voices heard.' In February, Trump was invited to visit the UK for a second unprecedented state visit by King Charles. Buckingham Palace confirmed on Tuesday that Trump and his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, will be in the UK from 17 to 19 September and will be hosted at Windsor Castle. A full schedule for the visit is yet to be released. The House of Commons breaks up the day before so he will not be making an address to Parliament as is the usual protocol for a state visit. Trump said ahead of his visit: 'I think I want to have a good time and respect King Charles because he's a great gentleman.' He added that the UK was a 'great place'. check our news page.
Metro
7 days ago
- Politics
- Metro
Donald Trump baby balloon could take to the skies again when President visits UK
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Activists are plotting to relaunch the Donald Trump baby balloon when the President jets to the UK for his historic second official visit in September, Metro can reveal. The blimp, a giant, six-metre-long inflatable depicting Trump as a baby in a nappy grasping a mobile phone, became a symbol of protests against the controversial leader on his first state visit as President in July 2018. It was flown in the skies above Parliament as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets. During the parade, it was flanked by a group of campaigners in red flying suits who were dubbed 'Trump babysitters'. The balloon later spawned copycat versions of London Mayor Sadiq Khan and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, which were flown in 2018 and 2019, as well as counterfeit merchandise, including t-shirts and bobblehead figures. Leo Murray, who came up with the idea of the blimp to mock the President, has now revealed he is considering re-launching the inflatable or commissioning another for the visit later this year. Leo, from north London, told Metro: 'We will consider getting the blimp up again. It was very effective last time. The way it made fun of him worked. It certainly was eye-catching and gave everyone a smile. But the danger of Trump is worse than ever now. 'The original one is now in the Museum of London so we would have to speak to them. We crowdfunded the first one so maybe we could do that again and get a new one. It's too early to say but we will have plans. 'It's more vital than ever to protest. He should not be coming for a second visit the way Britain's sucking up to him is not what people here want to see, it's very poor. 'His first presidency was bad enough but in the end he didn't get to do much. This time round he is much more dangerous- we have to oppose this visit and make ourselves heard.' To create the blimp, Leo worked with designer Matt Bonner. It was then built by Leicestershire-based company, Imagine Inflatables. While the majority of people praised the inflatable, it faced some criticism, including from the President himself. Trump said at the time the blimp made him feel unwanted, adding: 'I guess when they put out blimps to make me feel unwelcome, no reason for me to go to London. 'I used to love London as a city. I haven't been there in a long time. But when they make you feel unwelcome, why would I stay there?' Nigel Farage also described it at the time as 'the biggest insult to a sitting US President ever.' In response to the criticism, the office of London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the balloon was recognised as a legitimate form of demonstration, which is why it was allowed to fly. It was later flown in Ireland during protests in 2019 but plans to launch it over Trump's Turnberry golf course in Scotland that year were halted after the authorities refused permission. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The Museum of London has since bought the original blimp and has it on display in its protest collection. It described the blimp as an 'extraordinary and imaginative idea' and a 'response from Londoners'. The Museum's director, Sharon Ament, said the blimp was an example of the British love of satire. She said: 'We use humour a lot. And we poke fun at politicians. This is a big – literally – example of that.' Leo added: 'Last time the blimp was very effective and could be again. 'The world is a much more dangerous place because of Trump winning the presidency again. We need to make our voices heard.' In February, Trump was invited to visit the UK for a second unprecedented state visit by King Charles. More Trending Buckingham Palace confirmed on Tuesday that Trump and his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, will be in the UK from 17 to 19 September and will be hosted at Windsor Castle. A full schedule for the visit is yet to be released. The House of Commons breaks up the day before so he will not be making an address to Parliament as is the usual protocol for a state visit. Trump said ahead of his visit: 'I think I want to have a good time and respect King Charles because he's a great gentleman.' He added that the UK was a 'great place'. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Five key questions answered about the Trump administration's Epstein files chaos MORE: Kevin Spacey begs for release of Epstein files and insists he 'has nothing to fear' MORE: 'I shared a prison dorm with Ghislaine Maxwell – she isn't suicidal in the least'
North Wales Chronicle
14-07-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Mass protests planned in London and Windsor for Trump's state visit
The Stop Trump Coalition is also planning further protests, including one near Windsor Castle, during Donald Trump's high profile trip in two months' time. Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday that the King is to host the controversial American leader at the Berkshire royal residence from September 17-19, when he will be feted with a ceremonial welcome and a state banquet. The trip will be Mr Trump's second state visit to the UK – an unprecedented gesture for a US president – with his last one in 2019 seeing thousands of people turn out on the streets in London in opposition. A 20ft Trump baby blimp also took to the skies above Parliament Square, just as it did during a previous visit by the billionaire-turned politician in 2018. The Stop Trump Coalition has yet to confirm whether the famous inflatable effigy, which depicts the US president as an angry baby in a nappy clutching a mobile phone, will make a reappearance, but urged people to 'keep your eyes on the skies'. The original was donated to the Museum of London in 2021. Other inventive creations by protesters in 2019 included a 16ft talking robot of Mr Trump sitting on a gold toilet, which said the phrases 'No collusion', 'You are fake news' and 'I'm a very stable genius' in audio of Mr Trump's own voice; and Handmaids Against Trump – women draped in red with white hoods in homage to Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel about a crackdown on reproductive rights. On September 17 – the first day of Mr Trump's visit – demonstrators will assemble at London's Embankment at 2pm and march to a 5pm rally at an as-yet-undisclosed location. Further protests, including one near Windsor Castle, are set to be confirmed once more details of Mr Trump's visit is known. Security is expected to be at peak levels for the American leader, who survived an assassination attempt last year. The Stop Trump Coalition's spokesperson Seema Syeda said: 'This will be a massive protest against Trump's state visit. 'Trump and his authoritarian politics are not welcome here. Keir Starmer should not be rolling out the red carpet for Trump. 'They are already running scared. They have chosen the first possible date that stops Trump from being able to address Parliament. 'We know that Trump is deeply unpopular with the public. 'We mobilised hundreds of thousands of people against Trump during his first term, and he has only got worse since then. 'We are working at speed to bring together all the movements – for democracy, for equality, against climate change, for a free Palestine – to show our unity against Trump.' Asked about the Trump effigy, she said: 'Will Trump Baby be back? You'll have to keep your eyes on the skies.' The House of Commons will not be sitting at the time of Mr Trump's visit as it will be in recess for party conference season, meaning the president will not be able to address Parliament as French President Emmanuel Macron did during his state visit last week. However, the House of Lords will be sitting. Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now which is part of the coalition, accused Mr Trump of being a bully and suggested there was a growing global resistance against him. 'Trump is engaged in economic warfare against both friend and foe,' he said. 'He's bullying countries, including the UK, to give in to the demands of American multinational corporations. 'And he's taking his own country down an increasingly fascist path – crushing the rights of Americans, ignoring the courts, threatening the media and universities.' Mr Dearden added: 'Why on earth would we want to accord this man a second state visit? 78% of Britons have a negative view of Trump, and with good reason. 'If Starmer won't stand up to Trump, we will – by taking to the streets as part of the growing global resistance against Trump and the oligarchs that surround him.'
Powys County Times
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Mass protests planned in London and Windsor for Trump's state visit
Anti-Trump campaigners are to stage a mass demonstration in central London on the first day of the US president's state visit to the UK. The Stop Trump Coalition is also planning further protests, including one near Windsor Castle, during Donald Trump's high profile trip in two months' time. Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday that the King is to host the controversial American leader at the Berkshire royal residence from September 17-19, when he will be feted with a ceremonial welcome and a state banquet. The trip will be Mr Trump's second state visit to the UK – an unprecedented gesture for a US president – with his last one in 2019 seeing thousands of people turn out on the streets in London in opposition. A 20ft Trump baby blimp also took to the skies above Parliament Square, just as it did during a previous visit by the billionaire-turned politician in 2018. The Stop Trump Coalition has yet to confirm whether the famous inflatable effigy, which depicts the US president as an angry baby in a nappy clutching a mobile phone, will make a reappearance, but urged people to 'keep your eyes on the skies'. The original was donated to the Museum of London in 2021. Other inventive creations by protesters in 2019 included a 16ft talking robot of Mr Trump sitting on a gold toilet, which said the phrases 'No collusion', 'You are fake news' and 'I'm a very stable genius' in audio of Mr Trump's own voice; and Handmaids Against Trump – women draped in red with white hoods in homage to Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel about a crackdown on reproductive rights. On September 17 – the first day of Mr Trump's visit – demonstrators will assemble at London's Embankment at 2pm and march to a 5pm rally at an as-yet-undisclosed location. Further protests, including one near Windsor Castle, are set to be confirmed once more details of Mr Trump's visit is known. Security is expected to be at peak levels for the American leader, who survived an assassination attempt last year. The Stop Trump Coalition's spokesperson Seema Syeda said: 'This will be a massive protest against Trump's state visit. 'Trump and his authoritarian politics are not welcome here. Keir Starmer should not be rolling out the red carpet for Trump. 'They are already running scared. They have chosen the first possible date that stops Trump from being able to address Parliament. 'We know that Trump is deeply unpopular with the public. 'We mobilised hundreds of thousands of people against Trump during his first term, and he has only got worse since then. 'We are working at speed to bring together all the movements – for democracy, for equality, against climate change, for a free Palestine – to show our unity against Trump.' Asked about the Trump effigy, she said: 'Will Trump Baby be back? You'll have to keep your eyes on the skies.' The House of Commons will not be sitting at the time of Mr Trump's visit as it will be in recess for party conference season, meaning the president will not be able to address Parliament as French President Emmanuel Macron did during his state visit last week. However, the House of Lords will be sitting. Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now which is part of the coalition, accused Mr Trump of being a bully and suggested there was a growing global resistance against him. 'Trump is engaged in economic warfare against both friend and foe,' he said. 'He's bullying countries, including the UK, to give in to the demands of American multinational corporations. 'And he's taking his own country down an increasingly fascist path – crushing the rights of Americans, ignoring the courts, threatening the media and universities.' Mr Dearden added: 'Why on earth would we want to accord this man a second state visit? 78% of Britons have a negative view of Trump, and with good reason. 'If Starmer won't stand up to Trump, we will – by taking to the streets as part of the growing global resistance against Trump and the oligarchs that surround him.'
South Wales Guardian
14-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Mass protests planned in London and Windsor for Trump's state visit
The Stop Trump Coalition is also planning further protests, including one near Windsor Castle, during Donald Trump's high profile trip in two months' time. Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday that the King is to host the controversial American leader at the Berkshire royal residence from September 17-19, when he will be feted with a ceremonial welcome and a state banquet. The trip will be Mr Trump's second state visit to the UK – an unprecedented gesture for a US president – with his last one in 2019 seeing thousands of people turn out on the streets in London in opposition. A 20ft Trump baby blimp also took to the skies above Parliament Square, just as it did during a previous visit by the billionaire-turned politician in 2018. The Stop Trump Coalition has yet to confirm whether the famous inflatable effigy, which depicts the US president as an angry baby in a nappy clutching a mobile phone, will make a reappearance, but urged people to 'keep your eyes on the skies'. The original was donated to the Museum of London in 2021. Other inventive creations by protesters in 2019 included a 16ft talking robot of Mr Trump sitting on a gold toilet, which said the phrases 'No collusion', 'You are fake news' and 'I'm a very stable genius' in audio of Mr Trump's own voice; and Handmaids Against Trump – women draped in red with white hoods in homage to Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel about a crackdown on reproductive rights. On September 17 – the first day of Mr Trump's visit – demonstrators will assemble at London's Embankment at 2pm and march to a 5pm rally at an as-yet-undisclosed location. Further protests, including one near Windsor Castle, are set to be confirmed once more details of Mr Trump's visit is known. Security is expected to be at peak levels for the American leader, who survived an assassination attempt last year. The Stop Trump Coalition's spokesperson Seema Syeda said: 'This will be a massive protest against Trump's state visit. 'Trump and his authoritarian politics are not welcome here. Keir Starmer should not be rolling out the red carpet for Trump. 'They are already running scared. They have chosen the first possible date that stops Trump from being able to address Parliament. 'We know that Trump is deeply unpopular with the public. 'We mobilised hundreds of thousands of people against Trump during his first term, and he has only got worse since then. 'We are working at speed to bring together all the movements – for democracy, for equality, against climate change, for a free Palestine – to show our unity against Trump.' Asked about the Trump effigy, she said: 'Will Trump Baby be back? You'll have to keep your eyes on the skies.' The House of Commons will not be sitting at the time of Mr Trump's visit as it will be in recess for party conference season, meaning the president will not be able to address Parliament as French President Emmanuel Macron did during his state visit last week. However, the House of Lords will be sitting. Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now which is part of the coalition, accused Mr Trump of being a bully and suggested there was a growing global resistance against him. 'Trump is engaged in economic warfare against both friend and foe,' he said. 'He's bullying countries, including the UK, to give in to the demands of American multinational corporations. 'And he's taking his own country down an increasingly fascist path – crushing the rights of Americans, ignoring the courts, threatening the media and universities.' Mr Dearden added: 'Why on earth would we want to accord this man a second state visit? 78% of Britons have a negative view of Trump, and with good reason. 'If Starmer won't stand up to Trump, we will – by taking to the streets as part of the growing global resistance against Trump and the oligarchs that surround him.'
