A leftist protester vandalized President Trump's golden "45" plaque at Trump Tower in New York, prompting police to shut down the iconic Fifth Avenue building.
Nathaniel Smith, 36, spray-painted "USA" in graffiti over the presidential insignia inside the lobby before kneeling on the floor and closing his eyes, as onlookers filmed on their smartphones.
Moments later, Smith unfurled a banner that read, "Game Over," as a security guard approached and told him to leave.
The man started shouting about global warming as he was led away by a group of police officers in suits.
The scene caused mixed reactions. One man swore in disgust and shook his head, while another man in a backpack told officers not to touch Smith and repeatedly asked them to share their names and badge numbers.
After the protester was led out, a police officer told the crowd that the building would be closed.
The protester was with the radical environmental group Extinction Rebellion, which is known for vandalizing landmarks to draw attention.
Smith, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, was arrested and charged with making graffiti, possession of a graffiti instrument and criminal tampering. According to the New York Post, he has a prior arrest for criminal trespass at Columbia University.
Climate protester arrested after spray painting over presidential insignia at Trump Tower https://t.co/hDJvx41oJw pic.twitter.com/aY9EAIc2Gu
— New York Post (@nypost) April 23, 2025
Secret Service was not involved in the arrest, but they said they are "aware of an incident involving a person spray painting graffiti inside the public lobby of Trump Tower in New York City.”
“There are no disruptions to protective operations,” spokesperson James Byrne said. “We thank the NYPD for their immediate response and unwavering partnership.”
Trump Tower was Trump's main residence and business headquarters for decades before he entered politics. The building houses Trump's opulent penthouse and the headquarters of the Trump Organization.
While Trump no longer lives there full-time, the iconic Midtown skyscraper continues to attract Trump fans, as well as protesters looking to start trouble.
Dozens of pro-Palestine protesters were arrested in March for occupying the Trump Tower lobby in support of Columbia graduate and activist Mahmoud Khalil.
Trump famously declared his historic 2016 presidential campaign in the lobby of Trump Tower after a ride down his golden escalator.
