Trump thanks air force veteran for 'beautiful job' of painting yard with 19,000 sqft POTUS banner
The battle is getting intense ahead of the presidential election of November 3 even as President Donald Trump has found himself battling with issues ranging from coronavirus pandemic to anti-racism riots that have gripped the country in the crucial months in the run-up to his re-election bid. But it is not to say that Trump’s support has completely dwindled. An Air Force veteran from Ohio has gone to the extent of using biodegradable paint to use his own yard for political sloganeering. He has transformed the entire area into a Trump 2020 banner and none other than the president has praised him for the act.
J R Majewski from Port Clinton used around 120 gallons of paint to make the massive 19,000-square-foot banner to decorate the long, triangular front yard of his residence at Bay Township, Michigan. Aerial pictures showed Majewski’s lawn painted dark blue with the phrase ‘Trump 2020 Keep America… Great!’ The Air force veteran used the biodegradable chalk-based paint to avoid harming the yard and the environment.
This is not the first time, however, that Majewski has restyled the yard. A year ago, he painted a massive American flag in his yard to honor fellow military veterans.
Trump is set to meet former vice president Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, in this year’s election. The incumbent, who was enjoying a steady lead over the opponents till a few months ago, has seen a setback ever since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic that has affected more than 3M people in the country.
Trump, 74, tweeted about Majewski’s act to thank him. "Thank you J.R. Majewski, a great Air Force Veteran and Trump Supporter who did a beautiful job of turning his lawn into a giant Trump sign. Thanks also to your fantastic Ohio neighbors," he said, adding that his administration is making a "record progress" on jobs and other issues.
Majewski changed his earlier plan
Earlier, speaking to Port Clinton News Herald, Majewski said he had plans to paint the National League of Families POW/MIA flag but felt that there could be problems with the quantity of black paint that he would require. The idea of creating a Trump campaign-like banner dawned on him after he spoke to some other members of a local veterans group, many of whom are also supporters of the president.
"You see and hear a lot from the president on his support of the military. New weapons, new equipment, new technology — all of those things matter," Majewski said, adding: "I think as a veteran, it’s highly appreciated." Recently, Trump faced flak on the military front as reports accused him of doing little against Russia even as the Kremlin gave Taliban extremists in Afghanistan, where Majewski also served, orders to kill the American troops deployed there.
Majewski said he has received overwhelmingly positive feedback after the banner was completed. Ottawa County Republican Party cheered his effort and Ohio Congressman Douglas Swearingen paid a visit to see the mural. The ardent Trump supporter also appeared on Fox & Friends’ ‘Shot of the Morning’ segment where he showed off his creativity. "I think he's going through a lot right now, troubles and turmoils right now, and a lot of people like myself out here supporting him," Majewski said while sympathizing with the incumbent, Daily Mail reported. "And we’ve been silent, but it's about time we voice our support."
Majewski, however, doesn't want to be 'vicious'
Majewski, however, has also made a few signs around his display to note that he can still be friends with people who do not support the president. “YES I support TRUMP and YES we can still be friends even if you don’t,” one of the signs read. “We do not have to be vicious to one another; that’s what’s dividing us right now,” he was quoted as saying by the Herald. “Not that I wanted it, but I did anticipate a little bit more friction. But there has been absolutely none.”
The man also created a GoFundMe on Saturday, July 11, to keep the banner on his yard through the November poll. He said the expenses to buy the paint to maintain the display are high and he would need support.