'Venezuela Ahead': New billboard greets drivers referencing Trump's debunked claim

A new billboard greets drivers entering Colorado from the north with a reference to debunked claims peddled by Republicans including former President Donald Trump.

The billboard, placed near the Colorado-Wyoming state line on the busy Interstate 25, reads, " Venezuela Ahead, BE PREPARED ," 9News.com reported.

Drivers entering Colorado from Wyoming on Interstate 25 are greeted by a billboard with the Venezuelan flag and the message “Venezuela Ahead, BE PREPARED!”

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The billboard said it was paid for by Clipper Properties, LLC, Tim Mellon, Member.

Mellon is reportedly the largest donor to Trump this election cycle, according to the report, which cited information from the nonprofit Open Secrets.

Mellon is the heir to turn-of-the-century tycoon Andrew Mellon's family fortune. He reportedly plunked down $50 million to former President Donald Trump's super PAC in June.

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The report comes as the Republican mayor of Aurora pushed back Tuesday night against the "false" narrative pushed by Trump that the Denver suburb has been taken over by Venezuelan gangs.

Trump name-dropped the city, along with Springfield, Ohio, as examples where illegal immigrants are terrorizing lawful citizens.

"We have millions of people pouring into our country from prisons and jails, from mental institutions and insane asylums," Trump said at the debate "… You see what's happening with towns throughout the United States. You look at Springfield, Ohio. You look at Aurora in Colorado. They are taking over the towns. They're taking over buildings. They're going in violently. These are the people that [Vice President Kamala Harris] and [President Joe Biden] let into our country. And they're destroying our country. They're dangerous. They're at the highest level of criminality."

Trump has also said, without evidence, that Venezuelan gangs are "taking over real estate in the city" with weapons that "even our military hasn't seen."

Mayor Mike Coffman joined "Laura Coates Live" said that while the video was "chilling," he said the problem "doesn't exist" in the two apartment complexes referenced.

"To have the narrative that the entire city is overrun by Venezuelan gangs or the entire state, it's simply not true," said Coffman.

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