Outcry Over Anti-Trump Billboard In Union County

UNION, NJ — Union Township officials said they have no authority over a controversial anti-Trump billboard that was erected last week.

"Residents, it’s come to our attention that a potentially offensive billboard has gone up on Morris Avenue promoting a documentary about the President. We wanted to take this time to remind you all that while we take these matters very seriously, billboards are privately owned and as such the Township of Union has no authority or role in approving what goes up on each of them," the township posted on its Facebook page.

• See related: Anti-Trump Billboard Erected In Union County

The township is directing residents who have questions or concerns to contact the Office of Public Information at 908-851-5096 or Publicinfo@uniontownship.com. Or to contact OutFront Media who owns the billboard and lodge a formal complaint against this "ad" at info@outfrontmedia.com or at 800-926-8834.

Many residents commented and shared their outrage about the billboard and the town's post.

"This is an embarrassment to our town. Why should Union tolerate a New York citizen making us look like fools? Not surprised the Township is ignoring this. It does not represent ALL citizens of Union. There’s a reason it was put in our town and not others. Completely outrageous and disrespectful of our Federal government," commented Sharon Galitsky.

"Regardless of your political beliefs if we show such disrespect to our President...how can we expect foreign countries to respect the United States, when our American citizens don't," Christine Ludovico-Burlew commented.

"This should be taken down....where is respect for our President, Republican or Democrat?" Lilly Schmitz said.

Others pointed to the First Amendment right.

"Please read the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. It is beyond the power of a municipal government to control the content of the message," said Ray Perkins.

Neil Harrison, an activist and filmmaker from Bronx, New York, paid roughly $1,000 to put the billboard up on Morris Avenue. He chose New Jersey because New York doesn't allow political ads on billboards.

His purpose for putting up the billboard was to inspire other activists to take action in their own town and to also promote his film called, "Our Leader The Idiot."

"The film deals with the fact that Trump is not really an idiot as he appears to be but looks deeper at him," Harrison said. "He's a very manipulative kind of man. He's a master at it. Unfortunately, he has manipulated many people to believe what he says and what he says is, unfortunately, not only false it is just rhetoric."

The film is expected to be released in late November around Thanksgiving.

(Image via Harrison: Billboard on Morris Avenue in Union Township)

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