Artist Scott LoBaido speaks as he attends a rally for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. president Donald Trump, at the site of the July assassination attempt against Trump, in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S., October 5, 2024. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
(New York, New York) – Staten Island artist and political activist Scott LoBaido took his latest protest straight to City Hall, putting up a giant middle finger statue aimed at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The six-foot sculpture was placed on a pedestal in Lower Manhattan, where a small crowd gathered as LoBaido unveiled the display. The message was unmistakable: a loud public rebuke of Mamdani and the direction critics say he is taking the city.
Scott LoBaido unveiled a new present for NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani…
Video from @ScottLoBaido. pic.twitter.com/vCm5GPqNd3
— TalkRadio 77 WABC (@77WABCradio) May 19, 2026
LoBaido has long been known for provocative political artwork and public stunts, often using bold visuals to attack Democratic leaders and defend police, veterans and conservative causes.
The City Hall display comes as Mamdani faces growing backlash over his progressive agenda, tax proposals and handling of New York’s budget challenges. Critics have accused the mayor of making the city less business-friendly and pushing policies that could drive wealthy residents and major companies away.
Supporters of LoBaido’s stunt called the statue a symbol of frustration from New Yorkers who feel ignored by City Hall. Critics dismissed it as crude political theater.
It was not immediately clear how long the statue would remain in place or whether city officials planned to remove it.
For LoBaido, the point was simple: make the protest impossible to ignore.
