Photo by Frank Maddocks via WBR
Donald Trump touched down in Britain Thursday morning, and some U.K. citizens planned quite the greeting.
Trump opposition in England started an online campaign with one goal: get “American Idiot” to number one on the British charts. The idea was that when the President touched down, it will be playing everywhere.
The Facebook group originally began in January of last year in response to Trump’s planned visit to the U.K. But Trump cancelled then, citing a ‘bad deal’ in the U.S. embassy in London.
The campaign was revived this year with news of Trump’s rescheduling. From explaining how streaming services work, and encouraging members to stream “American Idiot” all available services, to canvasing Facebook, Get American Idiot to No.1 for Trump’s UK Visit demonstrated grassroots campaign tactics — and they worked.
The group reminded members to continue streaming until 11:59 pm on Thursday, which would be the last available time to make the song top charts in time for Trump’s arrival.
Official Charts reported Green Day’s 2004 smash hit has made a return onto the U.K. Singles Chart at No. 18.
If we’ve learned anything from Green Day’s “American Idiot” topping the charts in 2018 – and this giant orange balloon in a diaper – it’s that creativity in protest has certainly not been lost.
HUGE news coming in: DONALD J TRUMP BABY WILL FLY! @SadiqKhan tried to play hard ball – in the end he had to make a Deal. No surprise – he’s never won anything in his life! Sad – but True! London here I come! https://t.co/j3KCPimHI2 pic.twitter.com/oc2VKWKSN1
— Trump Baby (@TrumpBabyUK) July 5, 2018