Welcome to Trump Territory: The Urban Appearance of Controversial Signs
A series of enigmatic “traffic” signs showcasing the silhouette of former President Donald Trump have emerged across Staten Island, Bay Ridge, and various neighborhoods throughout New York City, eliciting a diverse range of reactions—from intrigue to disdain.
“I have no idea who is behind this, but it’s absolutely brilliant,” remarked Scott LoBaido, a Staten Island artist and activist. He shared a video on social media displaying several of these signs, which are secured to light poles and street posts by zip ties.
Spotted near the junction of 92nd Street and Gatling Place, one of the signs is positioned strategically close to the entrance ramp leading to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, directing traffic towards Staten Island. Aristide Economopoulos
The source of these fake Trump street signs remains a mystery, with several having already been taken down. Economopoulos added, “They’re spread throughout the city; now that’s clever.”
Some of the signs feature a signature at their base, which LoBaido, renowned for his political artistic expressions, has clarified is not his.
Within the past week, these signs have appeared in various locations including Park Slope, adjacent to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway ramp at 92nd Street, as well as at Verrazzano Bridge’s westbound entrance into Staten Island.
“What in the world? Is that … Trump Crossing?” wondered one baffled social media user in a clip from Bay Ridge that circulated on the Instagram account @newyorkers.
The signs have ignited discussions online, drawing both admiration and calls for removal. While some viewers found humor in the unexpected appearance, others expressed a desire for their prompt removal. “Regardless of one’s political beliefs … this is hilarious,” commented one social media participant.
“I think it symbolizes ‘this is MAGA country,’” speculated another user.
“No right turn,” quipped someone else, humorously alluding to the right-leaning political affiliation of the former president.
In contrast, a faction of social media users displayed enthusiasm for the signs depicting the Republican figure. “I need one!!!” exclaimed one admirer in LoBaido’s comment section. “My neighborhood would appreciate this,” mentioned another, with numerous others inquiring about obtaining similar signs for their communities.
One sign near a Bay Ridge Sunoco was reportedly removed, only to be displayed on a truck by the taker, as recounted by an employee of the gas station.
While some interpreted the signs as a literal warning against Trump, the intent behind the signage remains unclear. “It’s a cautionary sign—an enormous orange alert,” remarked one observer.
Photos and videos circulating on social media showcase the signs clustered within Staten Island and Brooklyn. Aristide Economopoulos
“Nothing a little blue paint can’t remedy,” suggested an apparent left-leaning commenter.
“Take those down!!!” implored others.
According to reports from News 12 Brooklyn, one of the Park Slope signs was dismantled by the city’s Department of Transportation, which deemed them “unauthorized.”
Neck-and-Neck in the Polls: Will the Results Tell a Different Story?