Someone Planted A Protester In The Botanic Garden's Miniature Trump White House Display

By Anthony Todd in Arts & Entertainment on May 23, 2017 2:09PM

The White House at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Photo by Anthony Todd.

Even in the plant kingdom, the #resistance continues.

Every year, the Chicago Botanic Garden opens their outdoor Model Railroad Garden, and visiting it is one of the highlights of a gorgeous summer, especially if you have kids. The Model Railroad Garden features (of course) model trains, running through a landscape of miniature American landscapes. One of those miniatures is the White House, and, given how things have been going with the current president, perhaps it was inevitable that things would get a little weird.

During a visit on Sunday, I noticed that President Donald Trump (with signature bright yellow hair) seemed to have been added to the display.

President Trump at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Photo by Anthony Todd.

And upon closer inspection, I also noticed something else: A tiny protestor holding a sign on the outskirts of the White House. The sign said "Plant more trees," a botanic garden- appropriate sentiment! I chalked it up to some political humor.

The protestor. Photo by Anthony Todd.

Unfortunately, the garden was not as amused as I was. "We were unaware of the protestor and it has been removed," said Julie McCaffrey, a representative of the garden.

McCaffrey further explained: "We have always updated the White House vignette in the Model Railroad Garden to reflect current times. When the Obamas moved in and added a playset for Sasha and Malia, we added one to the scene. The same is true for the vegetable garden and Bo and Sunny, the dogs. This year, we added President Trump as a figurine."