When former President Donald Trump arrives in Georgia ahead of Thursday’s presidential debate, he’ll be greeted by billboards mockingly welcoming him to the Peach State.
“Donald. Welcome to Atlanta for the first time since becoming a convicted felon,” the billboard reads in all caps next to an image of Trump’s mugshot.
“Congrats — or whatever …,” it ends, making it clear the sign is not actually welcoming the former President.
The billboard, commissioned by the Democratic National Committee (DNC), will run in English and Spanish at five high-traffic sites throughout Atlanta.
“The DNC understands the importance of Southern hospitality, so it is our pleasure to welcome Donald Trump back to the Peach State for the first time since becoming a convicted felon,” reads a taunting statement about the billboard from DNC spokesperson Jackie Bush.
“The man Georgia voters rejected in 2020 has only gotten more unhinged and vengeful in the past four years. From bragging about ripping away women’s reproductive rights, to attacking Americans’ democracy, to pushing a disastrous plan that will hike inflation, Donald Trump has made it clear that he is more unfit than ever to represent hardworking Georgia families.”
The DNC didn’t disclose the amount of its latest billboard spend. The billboards will be visible at the following intersections:
— Facing southwest at the intersection of I-85 and Plasters Ave.
— Facing northwest at the intersection of I-85 and Plasters Ave.
— Facing north at the intersection of I-85 and Buford Hwy, Exit 86.
— Facing south at the intersection of I-85 and Buford Hwy, Exit 86.
— Facing south at the intersection of I-75/85 and Lakewood Freeway.
The billboards will be visible to motorists as Trump and President Joe Biden square off in their first debate of this cycle. The CNN-hosted debate will be filmed in Atlanta without an audience present and broadcast live on the news network. For those who don’t have cable, CNN will provide a stream on its website without having to provide cable credentials.
The DNC is campaigning hard in Georgia, the state largely credited with delivering Biden victory four years ago as it narrowly went in his favor. To this day, Trump falsely claims that the election was stolen. His Georgia-based claims and actions resulted in several criminal indictments that are still pending in the state.
Trump has since been found guilty of 34 felonies related to hush money payments paid to porn actress Stormy Daniels in return for her silence on an alleged affair, which Trump denies.
The DNC is hoping the former President’s troubles will lead to another Georgia victory for Biden, a win now considered crucial in his path to the 270 electoral college votes needed to secure another term in the White House.
The DNC is also touting Biden’s work in Georgia, including an event Tuesday from several local surrogates who talked up Biden’s record on the economy. The DNC echoed remarks from that rally.
“Under President Biden’s leadership, Georgia has seen over 470,000 jobs created, historic infrastructure investments delivered, and lower insulin prices for seniors on Medicare,” Bush said. “Come November, Georgians will head to the polls remembering that President Biden looks out for them, while white-collar crook Donald Trump will only look out for himself.”
