The colossal inflatable depicting a nappy-clad, smartphone-wielding Donald Trump, which became an iconic symbol of British dissent during the 2018 presidential visit, is being readied for a potential encore performance.
Organisers have confirmed the 'Trump Baby' blimp is undergoing repairs and could take to the skies above London once more if the former President secures a second term and undertakes an official state visit to the UK.
A Symbol of Protest Prepared for a Comeback
The six-metre-high balloon, which requires a team of fifty people to handle, is currently in storage. Its custodians are taking a proactive approach, ensuring it is airworthy and prepared for what they see as a likely scenario following the November election.
Its appearance during Trump's last visit drew international attention, hovering near Parliament as thousands of protesters marched below. It was not just a London phenomenon; smaller versions of the blimp appeared in protests across the globe, from Argentina to Ireland.
Logistics and Legacy of the Inflatable Icon
Flight permissions, granted by the Greater London Authority in 2018, were notably for a one-off event. This means organisers would need to navigate the application process anew, a hurdle they are reportedly prepared to tackle.
The blimp's creators view it not merely as a caricature but as a powerful tool for peaceful protest. It has since been displayed in museums, including the Museum of London, which acquired it for its collection documenting contemporary political history.
Whether the skies over the capital will once again host this unusual form of political commentary remains contingent on the outcome of the American election and the diplomatic decisions that follow.
