President Donald Trump is not pleased with the Black Lives Matter mural scheduled to be painted on Fifth Avenue in New York City — near Trump Tower.
On Wednesday, the president took to Twitter where he lashed out at New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) for allowing the mural to move forward. Trump also slammed de Blasio and city officials for the decision to cut the annual budget for the New York Police Department.
“NYC is cutting Police by ONE BILLION DOLLARS, and yet the is going to paint a big, expensive yellow Black Lives Matter sign on Fifth Avenue, denigrating this luxury avenue,” Trump tweeted.
According to Trump, the mural which he describes as a “symbol of hate” will “further antagonize New York’s Finest.” He also referenced an alleged anti-police chant where protesters allegedly yelled, “pigs in a blanket, fry ‘em like bacon.”
However, it is important to note that that particular chant not been reported or documented as a mantra in any of the George Floyd protests.
“Maybe our GREAT Police, who have been neutralized and scorned by a mayor who hates disrespects them, won’t let this symbol of hate be affixed to New York’s greatest street. Spend this money fighting crime instead!” Trump tweeted.
Trump’s fiery tweets came shortly after reports began circulating about de Blasio confirming the timeline and location for the impending mural.
Not deterred by Trump’s criticism, de Blasio offered a direct response to the president’s disapproving remarks as he reminded him of the history of Fifth Avenue where his luxury tower now sits.
“Here’s what you don’t understand: Black people BUILT 5th Ave and so much of this nation,” de Blasio tweeted. “Your ‘luxury’ came from THEIR labor, for which they have never been justly compensated. We are honoring them. The fact that you see it as denigrating your street is the definition of racism.”
The mayor had a rebuttal for Trump’s reference to “New York’s finest” tweeting, “You also don’t know that NY’s Finest are now a majority people of color. They already know Black Lives Matter. There is no ‘symbol of hate’ here. Just a commitment to truth. Only in your mind could an affirmation of people’s value be a scary thing.”
According to de Blasio, at least five Black Lives Matter murals will be painted in various areas of the city. He also reportedly personally advocated for the mural on Fifth Avenue to be placed between 56th and 57th streets which is the same block where Trump Tower is.