'HAPPY TO HELP, BRO': Putin's image was projected on a Trump hotel in New York
An image of Putin was emblazoned on a wall above the hotel's signage. It showed Putin standing in front of a Russian flag and giving a thumbs-up with the phrases, "HAPPY TO HELP, BRO," "FOLLOW THE MONEY," and "LAUNDERING SERVICES AVAILABLE" projected onto the building.
Actors wearing military-like uniforms appeared to be standing at attention in front of the hotel. One of them was holding a Russian flag.
The display happened nearly a week after it was announced that special counsel Robert Mueller impaneled a grand jury in the FBI's investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 US presidential election and its possible ties to the Trump campaign.
In May, the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. was vandalized with a similarly styled projection, with the words "PAY TRUMP BRIBES HERE" and "EMOLUMENTS WELCOME" - an apparent reference to the emoluments clause that became a point of contention amid arguments about Trump's financial conflicts of interest during the early days of his presidency.
Igor Volsky, deputy director of Cap Action, said on Twitter that Robin Bell, a video journalist based in Washington, D.C., was responsible for the display.
"Hi @realDonaldTrump, I'm projecting #followthemoney on the SoHo Trump hotel. On #nationaldollarday of all days," tweeted Bell.