U.S. President Donald Trump's portrait and the Statue of Liberty are appearing on auto-rickshaws in New Delhi as part of a U.S. Embassy campaign [1].
The initiative uses high-visibility urban transport to project American soft power and celebrate a historic national milestone in one of the world's most populous cities.
Approximately 100 auto-rickshaws have been fitted with large images of the president and the Statue of Liberty [1]. The fleet is part of a public outreach effort titled "Happy Birthday America!" [2]. The campaign has been rolling out over the past few weeks in the Indian capital [3].
Officials organized the display to commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence [3]. By placing these images on rickshaws, the embassy is utilizing a primary mode of transit in New Delhi to reach a broad cross-section of the public.
The imagery serves as a mobile billboard for the United States' semiquincentennial celebrations. The presence of the president's portrait alongside the Statue of Liberty links current U.S. leadership with the country's foundational symbols of freedom, and democracy [2].
New Delhi traffic has seen these wraps increase in frequency throughout May [3]. The effort reflects a strategy to engage with the local population through culturally integrated advertising and public diplomacy [4].
“Around 100 auto-rickshaws have been fitted with large images of Trump and the Statue of Liberty”
This campaign represents a strategic use of public diplomacy by the U.S. Embassy to strengthen bilateral visibility. By aligning the image of the sitting president with the 250th anniversary of American independence, the U.S. is leveraging a major historical milestone to foster a positive brand image within the Indian urban landscape.
