Anti-Trump billboard causes outrage in North Jersey town

A billboard sporting a photo of President Donald Trump and the phrase "Our leader the idiot" is causing some upset in Union Township.

The municipality quickly said they had no involvement with the "potentially offensive" billboard on Morris Avenue, posting on Facebook that billboards are privately owned and they have no authority or approving rights on what goes on them. 

The billboard, owned by Out Front Media, was paid for by Neil Harrison, an activist from the Bronx who is using the billboard to produce a documentary, according to News12. Harrison said he paid about $1,000 for the billboard and that, while it will promote his documentary, it also is to spread "his message against the president."

"Manafort was convicted," Harrison told News12. "Cohen’s giving up everything he can, and we’re hoping that Trump is next. Basically that's what we are out here for. I’m an activist and that's what I do. And we're trying to drum up some real support here."

The activist said since New York does not allow political messages on billboards, he chose New Jersey instead.

Union Township Public Information Officer Natalie Pineiro said the billboard does not violate any local ordinance or laws. While Harrison said the billboard is to promote the documentary, Pineiro said Harrison's motive was "transparent."

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"It's clear what his intentions were and now the township has been the recipient of his circus-like crusade," Pineiro said.

However, the billboard does not reflect the town's values, she said. Pineiro said much of the outrage is because people believe it is a reflection of the community.

"No matter what, it's about common decency and respect for us," she said, noting the town has a strong unity campaign in the town no matter what someone's politics or beliefs are.

The township has been telling residents and non-residents offended by the billboard to contact Out Front Media. An email to Out Front Media was not immediately returned.

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