Trump Banners Spark Community Clash in Silverton

By Derek Bratton, March 19, 2025

Large banners proclaiming 'Silverton Loves Trump' and 'Silverton Stands with Elon' are displayed on a residential fence along Westfield Street in Silverton, Oregon

SILVERTON, Ore. — A controversy over large pro-Trump banners on Westfield Street near Safeway has split this small Oregon town, sparking online petitions, private group discussions and public interest. The issue raises questions about free expression, local regulations, and the role of Mayor Jason Freilinger.

Signs and Sign Codes Under Scrutiny

The banners, supporting the current president, Donald Trump have drawn ire from some residents. A Change.org petition, “Require Removal of Inappropriate Large Banners in Silverton,” has 146 signatures as of writing this. It claims the displays violate the city’s sign code due to size, duration and lighting, arguing they undermine Silverton’s inclusive culture. Citing 2020 election data, the petition notes over half the town’s votes went to a non-Trump candidate and calls for officials to enforce removal to protect the town’s reputation.

A counter-petition, “Maintain the We Support Trump Flags on Westfield Street, Silverton, Oregon,” boasts 463 signatures as of writing this. It defends the homeowner’s right to display the banners as free speech. Silverton’s sign code, outlined in Chapter 15.16, requires permits for erecting, constructing or altering signs on personal property, except as exempted (such as political signs.) The code defines an “abandoned sign” as one unused for over 90 days or damaged without repair within 90 days, but it seems the home owner changes them out regularly. It also mandates that sign applications be signed by the property owner or their representative, with review integrated into development processes if applicable. With the code under review — a process Freilinger has acknowledged online — the legal basis for action remains unclear.

‘Silverton Progressives’ Group at Center of Debate

Some of the discussion has unfolded in the private “Silverton Progressives” Facebook group, with 296 members and five administrators, including Freilinger. Formed around 2019-20 as a pro-Bernie Sanders community, it recently opened to new members after the 2024 election, adding at least two dozen. Leaked screenshots, shared with D2E Media, show members debating the banners, with some frustrated over delays. One called the mayor’s approach “passing the buck,” urging a faster sign code review, while another defended it as due diligence.

The screenshots were supplied by an anonymous third party to shed light on a public discussion regarding a community matter. To safeguard privacy and uphold ethical standards, the publisher has permanently removed all copies of the screenshots from their devices and storage systems following redaction and publication. The post by X user @Oregon_Leader was publicly available, so no redactions were required. @Oregon_Leader was not the source of screenshots

Freilinger’s comments in the group reflect caution. He said city staff and legal counsel are assessing the situation, warning against legal jeopardy without clear facts. He cited a past signage dispute that took 18 months to resolve in court. The same member suggested a “Silverton Stands for Love” counter-sign, Freilinger called it interesting but noted permission from the property owner — not the city — would be needed.

Note: Legally, Freilinger is within his rights to participate in private conversations in the group as a private citizen, a right protected under the First Amendment for personal expression, provided he does not use his official position to coerce or intimidate, which has not been evidenced.

Community Split Emerges

The debate mirrors Silverton’s diverse views. One group member emphasized the group’s goal of being a safe space amid national tensions, avoiding animosity. Yet, the petitions — 146 for removal versus 463 for retention as of writing this — highlight a divide between those seeing the banners as a policy violation and those viewing removal as an expression threat.

Freilinger has not responded to the email, leaving his role open to interpretation. His moderation in the group, lawful as a private citizen’s activity, has sparked speculation about influence. The city’s next step depends on the sign code review, which could lead to enforcement, amendment or no action, each with potential legal and community impacts.

As of Wednesday, March 19, 2025, a petition to maintain Trump flags and banners in Silverton, Oregon, has garnered 463 verified signatures, while the petition to remove them has collected 146 verified signatures.

What’s Next?

As of today, the banners remain, the petitions grow, and the public watches. Resolution may come through dialogue, policy or court, as in past cases. Freilinger’s response could shape the narrative, but until then, Silverton navigates balancing individual rights, local rules and its identity.