When Leo Murray, a London-based activist, first came up with the idea of flying a 20-foot "Trump Baby" blimp during President Donald Trump's UK visit, little did he know that his plan would snowball into a full-blown global spectacle.
Within weeks, an online fundraiser to generate £5,000 to fund the balloon soared to over £28,500. The blimp, which features an irate, smartphone-wielding Trump in baby form, is set to fly near the Palace of Westminster.
Murray, 41, called the success "wildly exceeding my expectations." He believes the "Trump Baby" captures the essence of Trump's character, as well as marking a turning point in his presidency, particularly after his controversial "zero tolerance" immigration policy that involved family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border (though that policy has since been reversed).
"The real turning point came when the British public learned about the zero-tolerance policy. That was when most people in the UK felt a line had been crossed," Murray said. "This balloon symbolizes that moment in history."
Despite critics calling it a mere "stunt," Murray argues that protests like this are effective in raising awareness and mobilizing larger movements. "A stunt like this doesn't magically change the world, but it sparks conversation, captures attention, and allows us to make a larger statement," he said. "Trump Baby is just the mascot for a wider resistance."
The blimp's appearance will be brief—only two hours on Friday—thanks to strict regulations from London’s City Hall and the Metropolitan Police. But Murray isn’t done yet. He plans to take his inflatable symbol on a "world tour" with the extra funds. "We’ve raised so much money, it’d be a crime not to keep trolling him," he said.
Trump's schedule may keep him far from the blimp in London, but Murray and his team are determined to make sure Trump Baby follows him worldwide. From diplomatic trips to potential protests, the inflatable baby will be there, hovering over Trump’s every move.
"We’re planning a world tour," Murray explained. "We’ll track Trump's itinerary, reach out to local activists, and see where Trump Baby can make a surprise appearance."
Next up, Australia could be on the list, with Trump set to visit in November. While Murray hopes to bring the blimp stateside, he admits the challenge. "Trump supporters in the U.S. might just shoot it out of the sky," he joked. "But hey, we can always make another one."
Murray believes that Trump Baby will not only bring joy to those who oppose Trump but also serve as a symbol of relentless trolling for the entire world to see. "It would drive him crazy, and that’s exactly the point," he said with a smile.
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