FOUNTAIN HILLS. Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) – Christmas decorations at a community center in Arizona involving Donald Trump have sparked strong feelings from residents in the area.
A mask of President-elect Trump was recently put on display inside a wreath at the Fountain Hills Community Center as part of its holiday display.
Every year, the Fountain Hills Community Center invites local groups and organizations to decorate Christmas trees and wreaths throughout its facility.
The Fountain Hills Democratic Club put up the Trump mask in response to a Trump Christmas tree that the Fountain Hills Republican Club decorated.
The Trump tree reportedly upset some local Democrats who asked for the tree to be taken down but were told the tree is considered protected speech and could remain up.
Pictures of the mask on social media have been getting a lot of reactions from those who live in the community.
“I’m not sure how those people sleep at night,” Fountain Hills resident Ed Smith said. “It doesn’t belong in a Christmas scene. That’s a little over the top. A postcard tree with names compared to that. It’s kind of disgusting.”
A town spokesperson said the Trump mask went up last week but was taken down within hours by whoever put it there.
“In accordance with the law and the freedom of expression, we do not, and cannot, censor the displays, provided such displays do not violate laws or policies governing public spaces. We remain committed to ensuring the Community Center is a welcoming space for all,” a Fountain Hills spokesperson said.
Fountain Hills resident Joyce Moran thinks the festive season and politics shouldn’t mix.
“I think we should keep politics out of the holidays,” she said. “I absolutely think everybody can have whatever preference or choice they have, but it’s really not anything to do with Christmas or Hanukkah or any of the other holidays.”
Representatives of the Fountain Hills Democratic Club have not immediately responded for comment.
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