They Thought They Were Just Driving, But This Billboard Changed Everything!

A controversial billboard greeting drivers entering Colorado from Wyoming on Interstate 25 has stirred attention. Displayed prominently near the state line, it features the Venezuelan flag and a stark message: “Venezuela Ahead, BE PREPARED!” The ad alludes to concerns over the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which is said to have a presence in the Denver Metro Area.

Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain addressed these concerns on Tuesday, downplaying the gang’s influence. According to Chamberlain, the gang’s activity in the area is relatively small, aligning with reports from local law enforcement. He stated that Aurora Police have identified ten suspected members of the gang, and nine arrests have already been made. Yet, despite these numbers, the threat remains a point of debate in political circles.

Some Republican leaders in Aurora have voiced skepticism, suggesting that local police and officials may be downplaying or covering up the gang’s presence. This sentiment was further fueled by former President Donald Trump, who made a baseless claim last week that the gang has effectively taken over the city of Aurora. Trump added that he plans to campaign in the city within two weeks, though no visit has been officially confirmed.

Interestingly, the billboard itself was paid for by Clipper Properties, LLC, a company tied to billionaire Tim Mellon, a prominent donor to Trump. Mellon, described by *The New York Times* as a “reclusive billionaire,” has made significant contributions to Trump’s 2024 campaign. According to *Open Secrets*, a nonprofit that tracks political donations, Mellon has donated $165 million this election cycle, including $125 million to Trump’s Super PAC, Make America Great Again Inc.

Mellon is no stranger to controversy. His self-published autobiography, which was removed from the internet in 2016, contained passages that sparked outrage. In it, Mellon argued that Black people became “even more belligerent” following the expansion of social programs and likened the social safety net to “slavery redux.”

While 9NEWS has not confirmed whether the Tim Mellon behind the billboard is the same megadonor connected to Trump, it’s worth noting that the listed contact for Clipper Properties is Kermit Brown, an attorney and former Wyoming Speaker of the House. Brown did not respond to requests for comment, and two calls to his office were disconnected when Mellon’s name was mentioned.

Mellon himself remains elusive. A listed address for him in Saratoga, Wyoming, along with a phone number and email, went unanswered. The post office box used by Clipper Properties is also linked to Mellon, according to records associated with a private aircraft.

Despite the political nature of the ad, the billboard does not violate campaign finance laws in Wyoming. Since it doesn’t explicitly advocate for a candidate or a ballot measure, there’s no requirement for financial disclosure under state law. Even so, the presence of Mellon’s name on such a visible advertisement is unusual for someone who typically avoids the spotlight.

Wyoming’s Republican Secretary of State, Chuck Gray, weighed in on the controversy, accusing the liberal media of attacking Mellon. “It is disturbing, but not surprising, that leftwing media outlets are demanding that government action should be taken against Tim Mellon for taking a stand and bringing awareness to the devastating effects of illegal immigration,” Gray said in a statement to 9NEWS. However, Gray provided no evidence to support his claim that media outlets were calling for action against Mellon.

Adding to the intrigue, a spokesperson for Lamar, the company that owns the billboard, stated that the “Paid for by Clipper Properties, LLC” disclaimer is their requirement. According to the representative, the “Venezuela Ahead” ad is the only one of its kind and will stay up until Election Day in November. Lamar’s website estimates that around 55,000 people view the billboard each week, with the rental price set at $1,100 per month.

With an estimated net worth of $14.1 billion, according to *Forbes*, the Mellon family remains one of the wealthiest in the country. This latest move by Tim Mellon, whether a direct attempt to influence public opinion or a more personal statement, has certainly caught the attention of many.