The giant balloon, representing US President Donald Trump as an orange baby, is causing controversy across the media, with some outlets decrying it and others embracing the idea behind the “Trump baby” balloon. London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, gave the go-ahead for the balloon to be flown during Trump’s three-day UK visit starting next Friday.

Measuring 19 foot (6 meters) in height, the balloon was financed by a crowd-funding campaign, and cost a massive £18,000. Approval to fly the “Trump baby” was given by the mayor following a petition signed by 10,000 people.

Balloon to fly over London on Friday, 13th July

The date of Trump’s UK visit is set for Friday, 13th July, which may be unlucky for the US President. The now famous, and infamous, balloon is set to fly for two hours over the city that morning, while a “Stop Trump” protest march will also be held in central London. The US President will be meeting Prime Minister Theresa May that morning at 10 Downing Street, but it said to be avoiding areas affected by the protest.

When Mayor Khan approved the flying of the “Trump baby” blimp, a spokesperson said that Khan supports peoples’ right to peaceful protest and that he understands that protest can take several different forms.

The Mayor’s spokesperson did add that organisers of the protest will have to obtain official approval from the National Air Traffic Service and Metropolitan Police prior to letting “Trump Baby” fly. In their report, CNN said the protest organizers are still currently awaiting that final approval.

Activists will tether the balloon in the Parliament Square Gardens and it will not be able to fly higher than 98 feet (30 metres).

However, it will be clearly seen across the capital city. CNN speculates that the presence of the balloon will reignite a Twitter war between Trump and Khan. Khan had criticized Trump over tweets he sent following last year’s London terror attacks.

‘Trump baby’ sparks online debates

The BBC reports that while many have welcomed the idea of the “Trump baby” balloon, others have deemed the idea “disrespectful” and “juvenile.” Some people believe the presence of the blimp will not bother the US President, while others believe his “fragile ego” might not respond well.

The BBC quotes Drew Liquerman, a Republicans Overseas spokesman, as saying while the idea of the balloon was “cringeworthy” and “embarrassing,” he didn’t believe it would bother Trump.

Many took to Twitter over the plan, including director and executive producer Ken Olin, who said he could remember when US Presidents received a warmer reception from the British than the Russians.

Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage had deemed the flying of the "Trump baby" balloon to be the "biggest insult" to a sitting US president ever. At least one Twitter user responded to his feelings over the issue.

Other Twitter users just said how happy the whole thing made them, with Alex Steffen telling American artists to up their protest game.
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