
This Huge Inflatable 'Trump Rat' Popped Up In New York City
By Mustafa GatollariNov. 2 2018, Updated 3:23 p.m. ET
Giant, inflatable rats are usually used by protesters outside of places that they have a problem with. They're somewhat of a staple, at least in Northern NJ and New York City, and I've seen them on more than a few occasions while just walking around and doing my own thing. Union workers seem to be fond of the giant rats and I can recall my first time ever seeing one, at first I was bewildered and then I was just amused.
Owner of Bravin Lee Art Galleries in NYC, John Post Lee, decided to take a spin on the classic giant inflatable rat to reflect his "disgust" with Donald Trump's presidency.
And he did so by turning the former reality TV star into one of the enormous balloon rodents, and it was pretty glorious.
#trumprat coming soon. pic.twitter.com/d9lgZleKiZ
— BravinLee programs (@BravinLee) August 9, 2017
First, Lee gave sneak peeks of the balloon online, until he finally unleashed it on the street, much to the delight of everyone outside.
With the President scheduled to return to Midtown today, a giant inflatable #TrumpRat has arrived at 59th and 5th. pic.twitter.com/HQNRDNuJb7
— Scott Heins (@scottheins) August 14, 2017
People immediately started flocking to it, snapping photos and selfies with the rat. It didn't take long for the enormous balloon to go viral.
Corner of 59th/5th, two and a half blocks up from Castle Trumpula pic.twitter.com/0VNeWKohq4
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) August 14, 2017
Lee parked the caboose of his "yuge" Trump-Rat just a few blocks from Trump Tower, at 59th and 5th avenue.
As spotted on 59th and Fifth Avenue just blocks from Trump Tower. Piece was commissioned by local art gallery owner pic.twitter.com/Someuv7V0g
— Laura Figueroa (@Laura_Figueroa) August 14, 2017
John Post Lee, owner of Bravin Lee art galleries in NYC/LI said he commissioned 7ft "Trump Rat" to express "disgust" pic.twitter.com/t5ONR9G354
— Laura Figueroa (@Laura_Figueroa) August 14, 2017
It looks like the rat will be making the rounds through NYC.
President Trump rat. 59th and 5th Ave. A Chelsea artist created it. He told @NBCNewYork he plans to move it around NYC. pic.twitter.com/M7ueg9CLGt
— Erica Byfield (@EricaByfield4NY) August 14, 2017
People are already tagging the president in posts that feature photos of his giant rodent counterpart.
It's you @realDonaldTrump #trumprat #nyc #lol pic.twitter.com/VsqbNWls3A
— Artem. (@ArtemSays) August 14, 2017
Trump Rat even got his own Twitter account, and it's pretty hilarious.
Trump Rat blocks Frederick Douglass on Twitter. 😂😂😂#TrumpRat #Resist #TheResistane #MAGA pic.twitter.com/BFnrGyZvc9
— Frederick Douglass (@HITEXECUTIVE) August 14, 2017
The rat was also created to welcome Trump back to NYC.
Artist behind #Trumprat says president deserves to be ridiculed. More on what awaits Trump when he returns to #NYC tonight on @NY1. pic.twitter.com/bhoApLr8dA
— Lori Chung (@lorichung) August 14, 2017
Turning the president into inflatable versions of small creatures is sort of becoming a trend.
I'd be willing to bet that not only could Trump Chicken and Trump Rat surpass a 34% approval rating, but they're also more Presidential. pic.twitter.com/yWJArRDb9Y
— 👻✊Seth-sy MFer👻✊ (@SethFromThe716) August 14, 2017
The only difference is that Trump-Rat is really, really gross looking. The Trump-Chicken looks like it could be friends with Hello Kitty.