French visual artist Joanie Lemercier created an unusual political statement at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas by using laser projection technology to add the word “OUT” beside the building's existing “TRUMP” sign. The visual intervention transformed the hotel's name into the message “TRUMP OUT”, attracting attention for its creative approach to political expression.
According to Lemercier, the project required several weeks of preparation. He and his team managed to rent a room in a building directly opposite the hotel, allowing them to set up their projection equipment at a distance of approximately 200 metres. Using a powerful projector, they displayed the additional word alongside the hotel's prominent sign, creating the appearance of a modified building name without physically changing the original structure. The artist shared images and footage of the projection on social media on November 4, 2026, the day of the US midterm elections. In his post, he highlighted the timing of the intervention, noting that the elections could have significant implications for international politics. The message therefore served as a visual expression of political opposition to Donald Trump.
Lemercier is known for his experimental approach to visual art, particularly his use of projected light to transform buildings, objects and unconventional surfaces. Born in France in 1982, he has worked with projection-based art since 2005 and co-founded the visual arts collective AntiVJ in 2006 alongside Yannick Jacquet, Romain Tardy and Olivier Ratsi. The collective became known for creating immersive audiovisual installations and large-scale architectural projections. His artistic practice combines computer programming, geometry, light and spatial design to challenge how people perceive their surroundings. Rather than limiting his work to traditional screens, he frequently uses architectural structures and physical materials as canvases. His installations have been presented at international art events and institutions, including Art Basel Miami, the Sundance Film Festival and Fundación Telefónica in Madrid.
Beyond his artistic work, Lemercier is also an environmental activist. His interest in climate change and environmental protection has influenced several projects, including installations examining the environmental consequences of coal mining. He has also supported environmental movements and initiatives promoting more sustainable approaches to digital art.
The Las Vegas projection reflects how Lemercier's technical skills can be used in a different context, turning a recognisable commercial building into a temporary platform for public and political expression. By adding just one word to the existing sign, he created a message that was immediately understandable without physically interfering with the hotel's structure.
The Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, which opened in 2008, is a 64-storey luxury tower recognised for its gold-tinted glass exterior and large TRUMP lettering near the top. Its prominent signage provided a highly visible backdrop for the artist's intervention.
The incident demonstrates how projection technology can extend beyond conventional artistic installations and become a means of communicating messages in public spaces. Lemercier's work transformed an iconic hotel sign into a temporary political statement at a time when American voters were preparing to make important decisions in the midterm elections.
