MOBILE, Ala. — A Christmas Tree used at Donald Trump’s “Thank You” Rally in Mobile stirred up controversy when environmentalists discovered it was an old-growth cedar cut down from a public park. According to Al.com, several Mobile residents complained on social media about the tree’s use.
““Our city parks aren’t Christmas tree farms. An old-growth tree from a city park for backdrop? Insane,” one disgruntled citizen wrote in an email.
Colby Cooper, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s Chief of Staff, took responsibility, and issued a public apology to those who were offended. “In preparing for this event, I worked closely with the advance team. In an effort to make sure every detail was covered and the expectations of the President-Elect’s team were exceeded, I became overzealous,” Cooper, said in a statement. “I now know there are citizens who are upset and offended that a tree from a City park was used as part of the decorations for the event. I accept full responsibility for having this done.”
Cooper went further, offering to pay for replacement trees himself and noting that the old tree will be repurposed.
The tree used will be repurposed. We are exploring many wonderful ideas and welcome more!
— Colby Cooper (@ColbyJCooper) December 19, 2016
Apologies aside, Trump’s Saturday event in Lad-Peebles was decidedly Alabama in tone. Alabamians Jeff Sessions, Stephen Miller, and Cliff Sims all spoke before the President-Elect, as each has played a significant role in the billionaire’s ascension to the White House.
Trump’s “Thank You Tour” is stopping at places across the country that are of special importance to his campaign. Mobile earned a spot on the list because it hosted Trump’s largest rally of the Primary in the very same spot.
The full video of Trump’s event can be seen in the video below.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.