CHICAGO (NewsNation) — Even before the Democratic National Convention officially kicked off Monday, the Democratic National Committee used a branded Chicago skyscraper belonging to former President Donald Trump to project messaging against the GOP nominee for president.
Democrats displayed anti-Trump messaging onto the Trump International Hotel and Tower on Sunday night, which included, “Trump-Vance Weird as hell” and “Project 2025 HQ.” The projections, written in English and Spanish, changed every few seconds.
Other messages that appeared on the side of the Trump-branded building included “Trump-Vance out for themselves” and “Harris Walz joy and hope.”
The Democratic National Committee has taken responsibility for the messaging, a spokesman for the organization told NewsNation on Monday.
“This week, the entire country will witness what it looks like to unite behind hope and a clear vision for a better future, as Democrats rally behind Vice President Harris and Governor Walz,” DNC spokesperson Abhi Rahman said in a statement released by the committee. “While Donald Trump and JD Vance are out for themselves, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are fighting for you.”
Asked on Monday how the messaging was displayed, Rahman told NewsNation, “That’s our secret.”
However, Rolling Stone reported that committee operatives used a high-powered projector and a hotel room located across the Chicago River to get the messaging onto the 93-floor Trump-owned building.
The convention begins in earnest Monday, with the keynote address of the first day to be made by President Joe Biden at the United Center.
In addition to targeting the former president and his running mate in the projected messaging, the Democratic National Committee also referred to the Trump Hotel and Tower as the headquarters of Project 2025, the controversial agenda that has been linked to Trump should he be voted into the White House for a second time.
Conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation has claimed responsibility for the nearly 1,000-page handbook. Authors of Project 2025 say it’s a guide on what the next president needs to do so they can undo the “damage” to America they claim has been caused by liberal politicians.
Critics, though, say Project 2025 is extremist, “authoritarian” and even dystopian.
Trump has previously disavowed the plan, posting on his social media site that he has “no idea” who is behind Project 2025 and knows “nothing” about it. However, dozens of people who worked closely with him and helped shape his administration are involved in the plan.
Yet, despite Trump distancing himself from the plan, Democrats used the messaging Sunday night to project how they feel what another Trump presidency could bring.
“Tonight, everyone is seeing a preview of the contrast that will take center stage this week throughout the Democratic National Convention. Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have proven records of delivering for working families, and now, they’re running to lead our country into a brighter future,” Rahman said in a statement.