Lincoln Project Faces Vendor Pushback for Anti-Trump Billboard Trucks at NYC Rally
(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
During Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden, anti-Trump conservatives from The Lincoln Project deployed two billboard trucks broadcasting their latest ad. The ad, featuring Trump’s words in German over footage of Nazi-aligned forces, was designed to draw parallels between Trump’s rhetoric and the rise of fascism.
However, the deployment of these billboards was almost canceled due to an “intimidated” vendor, according to the group’s chief of staff. Jacob N. Kornbluh, senior political reporter at The Forward, reported that the trucks circled the venue as Trump held his controversial event. Despite their efforts, The Lincoln Project’s chief of staff, Ryan Wiggins, revealed that the campaign faced significant challenges leading up to the rally.
Describing the event as Trump’s “reenactment of the 1934 Nazi rally at Madison Square Garden,” Wiggins explained that the billboard trucks were meant to remind people of the “similarities” between past and present. However, he noted that the vendor providing the trucks nearly backed out of the agreement. “Realizing what this event was, our vendor began getting intimidated today,” Wiggins stated on Sunday.
“He contacted us to let us know that he was too afraid for the safety of his drivers to run any anti-Trump messaging anywhere near Madison Square Garden. Keep in mind, that the event is in New York City, hardly a Trump stronghold. And yet, they were genuinely afraid.” Wiggins expressed his frustration at the situation, emphasizing the fear the vendor felt despite Trump no longer being in power.
“This business was afraid to stand up to Trump and his supporters for fear of retaliation, and this dude isn’t even in power,” he remarked. The statement highlighted the influence Trump and his supporters still wield, even in a city not known for its support of the former president. Reflecting on his career, Wiggins lamented how the political climate in America has changed. “America hasn’t always been like this, y’all. Sure, it’s always been partisan, but it hasn’t always been THIS,” he said.
“When I started my career in 2002, the right and left disagreed on policy, but NEVER on the cornerstones of our democracy. Back in my day, my job wasn’t a dangerous one.” His comments underscored a growing concern among critics about the current state of political discourse and the increasing threats faced by those opposing Trump.
Despite the vendor’s concerns, Wiggins explained that they ultimately convinced them to proceed with the trucks. Drawing from Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign slogan, “We are not going back,” he encouraged others to stand firm in their beliefs. “We convinced the vendor to go forward with our agreement. I am encouraging everyone who reads this post to go forward with your agreement, too. When you pledge allegiance to our flag, you pledge allegiance to our constitution, morals, and our values,” Wiggins asserted.
In a closing statement, Wiggins called for unity and understanding among Americans. “If you love this country, and you truly want to make it great again, you’ve got to start by seeing your neighbors as fellow humans and understanding that we each see the world differently depending on our daily reality and experiences. That diversity makes us stronger,” he said, urging Americans to embrace differences rather than fear them.
The Lincoln Project’s actions and Wiggins’ remarks highlight the ongoing polarization in American politics, as well as the risks faced by those who actively oppose Trump’s influence. Despite these challenges, the group remains committed to its mission, standing against what they perceive as a dangerous movement threatening the foundations of democracy.
