‘TACO Trump’ sign among ways Calgarians welcoming G7 leaders
Posted Jun 13, 2025 6:53 pm.
With the G7 set to start Sunday, some Calgarians are welcoming world dignitaries in interesting ways.
A sign seen on Friday plastered onto a bus shelter in the city’s Beltline read “New Crispy Chicken Sandwich Taco. Only at Taco Hell.”
It appears to be a dig at U.S. President Donald Trump, using the label some investors have given him, TACO, which stands for Trump Always Chickens Out. Referring to the president’s habit of imposing tariffs on countries, and then reversing course or easing those levies.
The sign is leaving some Calgarians split on if it is a proper welcome to one of the world leaders set to attend the G7 leaders’ summit in Kananaskis.
“I think its so cheeky, I really think it’s incredible that we have a convicted felon 30 times over allowed to come to our country,” says one Calgary resident.
“I think Calgary is better than that,” says another. “We have a tough edge to us, but we like to work hard and play hard, that’s our thing. And I don’t think bad mouthing….that is not really the Canadian way.”
CityNews was there late Friday morning where crews from Astral, the advertising network which manages the ad case, removed the signage.
Astral, in a statement, calls the signage “vandalism” and says they are doing an audit for any other similar acts.
The sign comes as Calgary’s mayor touts Calgarians’ hospitality, but also is set to give a number of gifts, including a Smithbilt white hat to every dignitary that comes through, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
“It’s really important to practice diplomacy so all delegates will be treated with an equal amount of respect,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek earlier this week.
Now, not every message to dignitaries coming to Alberta is meant to be “cheeky.” The Calgary chapter of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) is using an electronic billboard near the airport to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“I hope the other leaders will help Trump to understand the current situation, because I think unfortunately the President is lost understanding this current situation,” says Roman Yosyfiv, President of the UCC’s Calgary branch.
The UCC says it hopes the summit can be used as a way for the world’s major leaders to have a unified message, standing with Ukraine in its war against Russia.
“Only united leaders will make a fight against Putin. Putin, unfortunately, he only understands only the power of defence.”
Many of the leaders are expected to arrive in Calgary this weekend.
Prime Minister Mark Carney will be joined in Kananaskis by Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
A prominent group of invited non-G7 leaders are also to attend, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Zelenskyy.
The G7 runs from June 15 to June 17.
