Democrats in Rhode Island Explain Why They Oppose Iryna Zarutska Mural – Mayor Immediately Doubles Down and Makes It Worse (Video)
Rhode Island Democrats have turned a simple mural honoring a murdered Ukrainian refugee into a full-blown controversy, and their explanations only make the situation look worse.
The mural of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, who was brutally killed in Providence, was being painted on the side of an LGBTQ club. Mayor Brett Smiley immediately called for it to be removed, claiming it was “divisive” and had a “misguided, isolating intent” from its funders — a clear reference to Elon Musk. Smiley said he wanted art that “brings us closer together rather than further divides us.”
The club owners, clearly panicked, issued multiple statements assuring everyone they are loyal Democrats who do not support Trump, then quickly agreed to take the mural down. Smiley has since doubled down in local interviews, openly admitting the Musk funding was the real reason he opposed it, while insisting he never issued a direct “mandate” to remove it — even though his public comments created exactly that pressure.
Providence Mayor on why wants the Iryna Zarutska mural to come down:
“A movement was funded by some right-wing billionaires."
“It wasn't bringing us together as a community."
In other words: The mural is a powerful reminder of the disastrous failures of his party’s policies. pic.twitter.com/5gyVdNjfiF
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) April 2, 2026
Another video of Smiley’s comments:
State Rep. David Morales added to the embarrassment, saying the mural “does not reflect Providence’s values nor does it reflect the creativity that we would want to see in our city.” He claimed they want every community member to “feel safe.”
The Rhode Island GOP nailed it: this has nothing to do with art. It’s selective outrage. Democrats had no problem with George Floyd murals going up all over the state, even when they caused division. But a mural honoring an innocent young woman murdered by a repeat offender? That’s suddenly too “divisive.”
The real issue Democrats don’t want to talk about is their soft-on-crime policies. Iryna Zarutska was killed by a violent criminal who should not have been on the streets. Instead of addressing how their policies create more victims, they attack a mural that honors one.
Mayor Smiley and his allies are gaslighting the public. They created the division by turning a memorial into a political fight, then blamed everyone else for noticing. The people of Rhode Island see exactly what’s happening: Democrats care more about protecting their narrative and their donors’ feelings than they do about remembering victims of crime.
This is what happens when ideology matters more than basic human decency. A young woman was murdered, and instead of honoring her, some Democrats decided her memory was too “divisive.”
**Opinion Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article, including criticism of Mayor Smiley and Rhode Island Democrats for their handling of the mural and selective outrage, reflect a critical perspective and may not align with all readers. Facts are based on public statements, reported events, and video clips; readers should form their own conclusions.**
Mark Van der Veen offers some of the most analytical and insightful writings on politics. He regularly opines on the motives and political calculations of politicians and candidates, and whether or not their strategy will work. Van der Veen offers a contrast to many on this list by sticking mainly to a fact-based style of writing that is generally combative with opposing ideologies.
Yankee bastards.
AS USUAL, DEMOCRATS SHOWING THE REST OF THE WORLD WHAT KIND OF SCUM THEY REALLY ARE. DEFENDING A SCUMBAG MURDERER INSTEAD OF ALLOWING A MURAL OF A YOUNG WOMAN WHO FLED HER WAR TORN COUNTRY LEGALLY TO SEEK A BETTER LIFE IN AMERICA. THE POOR SCUMBAG MURDERER IS A VICTIM OF ZARUTSKAS’ WHITE SUPREMEST OPPRESSION.