In the heart of San Francisco Bay on June 6, 2024, two significant events unfolded. On one side, former President Donald Trump attended a high-profile fundraiser at venture capitalist David Sacks' Pacific Heights mansion. Simultaneously, a giant inflatable Trump chicken sailed across the bay as part of a protest against his presence in the city following his recent conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business documents.
The crew behind the Trump chicken, led by Danelle Morton and four others, purchased it from China for $1,100 including shipping and blower. The effigy was dressed in a black-and-white striped prison shirt with prisoner number '00045,' referencing Trump's role as the 45th president. As they sailed near Marina Green, Trump supporters waved flags and shouted threats, one man even performing a Nazi salute.
Meanwhile, at the fundraiser in Pacific Heights, David Sacks and other tech industry leaders showed their support for Trump by raising $12 million for his campaign. The attendees were described as 'the most powerful group of industrial intellects from the heart of San Francisco.'
Despite the contrasting scenes, both events highlighted the divided opinions in San Francisco regarding Donald Trump.
Immigration was a major concern for many Trump supporters who believed it contributed to various issues like rising crime, homelessness, crowded schools and hotels. They accused President Biden of encouraging migrants to come illegally to become voters for Democrats. However, these claims were unsubstantiated.
Trump's campaign responded by stating that he had blocked a bipartisan border legislation that would have increased the nation's border security and helped halt the flow of fentanyl into the country. The protest and fundraiser served as reminders of Trump's enduring influence in American politics despite his recent conviction.