A climate activist was apprehended inside Trump Tower for defacing a presidential insignia with green chalk paint. On April 23, 2025, Nathaniel Smith, a 36-year-old from Crown Heights, sprayed "USA" over the emblem in a bold act of protest.
The New York Post reported that his actions reflect a growing trend of vandalism by Extinction Rebellion targeting iconic New York City landmarks. Smith, a member of Extinction Rebellion, carried out his protest in Midtown’s Trump Tower in a clear act of protest directed at the Trump administration.
After defacing the insignia, he knelt silently before it, drawing a small crowd. Some onlookers snapped photos as the scene unfolded. A security officer approached Smith, who then revealed a banner reading “GAME OVER” with the Extinction Rebellion logo.
NYPD officers swiftly arrested him, charging him with making graffiti, possession of a graffiti instrument, and criminal tampering. Smith has a prior arrest for criminal trespass at Columbia University.
The U.S. Secret Service was notified but left the arrest to the NYPD. “There are no disruptions to protective operations,” said James Byrne, a Secret Service spokesperson. He praised the NYPD’s quick response and partnership.
Smith’s protest followed a string of Extinction Rebellion actions across the city. On April 22, 2025, group members spray-painted the Wall Street Charging Bull, later removing the graffiti themselves. That same day, they targeted Tesla’s Meatpacking District showroom windows, leading to two arrests.
Also on April 22, two Extinction Rebellion protesters disrupted an event at the David H. Koch Theater. During the New York City Ballet’s spring season opening, they demonstrated outside, receiving summonses and releases. Their actions aimed to draw attention to their environmental agenda.
Inside the Koch Theater, a woman interrupted the ballet “Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux” on April 22. She shouted about a “climate emergency” and accused the nation of fascism. No arrest was made for her outburst.
Smith’s own words underscored his motives at Trump Tower. “This is our planet,” he declared. He accused unnamed entities of “ruining the planet for profit.”
“You cannot ruin it without comment,” Smith continued, emphasizing his call to action. His protest, like others by Extinction Rebellion, sought to provoke public reaction. The group’s tactics often involve temporary, removable graffiti to make a point without permanent damage.
Extinction Rebellion’s recent actions have stirred debate over their methods. While some view their protests as bold, others see them as disruptive stunts that undermine their message. The group’s focus on high-profile targets ensures maximum visibility.
Smith’s arrest adds to the legal troubles faced by Extinction Rebellion members. His prior trespassing charge at Columbia suggests a pattern of confrontational activism.
The charges from Trump Tower may further complicate his legal standing. The Wall Street Charging Bull incident showed the group’s willingness to clean up their graffiti.
This approach contrasts with their more permanent disruptions, like the Tesla showroom vandalism. Their strategy appears calculated to balance impact with minimal lasting harm.
These protests, while attention-grabbing, raise questions about effectiveness. Defacing symbols like the Trump Tower insignia or interrupting cultural events may alienate more people than it persuades. Yet, Extinction Rebellion persists, betting on visibility to drive their climate agenda.