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Whiff of Controversy: The Lincoln Project Targets Trump with Odor Allegations in New Ad
The Lincoln Project, a group of anti-Trump Republicans renowned for their biting political ads, has released a pungent new campaign that takes a jab at former President Donald Trump over allegations of a distinctive odor. On Saturday, the political advocacy group unveiled the ad on X, formerly known as Twitter, capitalizing on a viral sensation about Trump’s supposed smell that has sparked a flurry of jokes and the trending hashtag “#TrumpStinks.”
The ad, seasoned with a dash of humor and a pinch of satire, opens with visuals of notoriously smelly locales — a landfill, manure, trash bags — culminating with a shot of Trump Tower. Sounds of sniffing, coughing, and buzzing flies accompany the imagery, while actress and comedian Kathy Griffin is heard describing Trump’s alleged scent as a mix of body odor and scented makeup product.
The controversy over Trump’s alleged olfactory offense was fanned by former congressman and CNN commentator Adam Kinzinger, who expressed surprise over the lack of discussion about the former president’s smell. Kinzinger’s post prompted Kathy Griffin, a vocal Trump critic, to confirm the claim, adding fuel to the fire.
However, not everyone is taking a whiff of this narrative. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung blasted Kinzinger’s remarks, dismissing him as an “unemployed fraud” and criticizing his personal and professional conduct. Cheung’s vehement response underscores the divisive nature of the discourse surrounding Trump, a figure who continues to polarize even after leaving office.
Kinzinger, a prominent GOP critic of Trump, has been a thorn in the side of the Trump camp since the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. His decision to vote for Trump’s impeachment and participation in the House committee investigating the attack has made him a target for Trump loyalists. Kathy Griffin’s own history with Trump, including her claim of his unpleasant smell from an appearance on “The Celebrity Apprentice,” adds a personal touch to the allegations.
The Lincoln Project’s ad, while certainly controversial and potentially divisive, is a testament to the increasingly personal and unorthodox tactics being employed in political discourse. As the ad circulates online, sparking debate and discussion, it highlights the ongoing battle between Trump’s detractors and supporters, a feud that shows no signs of abating as the political landscape continues to evolve.
In the end, whether the ad’s claims pass the smell test remains a matter of personal perception, but one thing is clear: in the world of political advertising, the scent of controversy is a powerful tool, and The Lincoln Project is not afraid to use it.
