Trump Baby Balloon Sparks Museum Interest Across London

The 6-meter-tall inflatable 'Trump Baby' balloon, which flew over London during President Donald Trump's July 2018 visit to the UK, has attracted acquisition interest from several major London museums. The balloon was created by activist Leo Murray as a protest symbol against Trump's policies. A petition to fly the balloon gathered over 10,000 signatures in under three weeks, and a crowdfunding campaign reached its goal within 48 hours. Museums including the British Museum, Museum of London, London Design Museum, Science Museum, and Bishopsgate Institute have expressed interest in exhibiting or acquiring the piece. The British Museum is in talks to borrow Trump Baby for its upcoming satirical exhibition 'I object: Ian Hislop’s search for dissent,' opening in September 2018, which will feature 100 objects of dissent including works by Banksy. Museum of London director Sharon Ament stated she would like to acquire the balloon for the national collection. However, the balloon's caretakers, led by Kevin Smith, prioritize a global 'trolling tour' against Trump before considering museum offers.