I've seen this banner in person many times. It's no more garish than the rest of Trump's building. I'm actually grateful it covers up some of the gold on his building.
Trump has gotten four fines for hanging this banner without a permit with a maximum penalty of $2,500 each. If I was Trump, that wouldn't deter me at all. Advertising like this is easily worth more than $10,000 and he's made millions from this show and the good will it has given him is priceless.
I don't see what the fuss is about anyway. It's not indecent and it is his property. If his tenants minded it, then he should take it down. If it offended people, that might be an issue. It's hard to see in this picture, but he graciously thanks the city of NY for making "The Apprentice" a hit.
I can see the city and state's point of view also. This banner is on 5th Avenue and 56th street and it's all upscale residences and stores. The neighborhood doesn't want loud advertising to lower property values and make the neighborhood seem less posh since those people are paying extra for the upscale nature of the locale. There is careful zoning for such things.
What do you think?
Should Trump be allowed to hang this banner?