Huge Protest Planned For Trump's NJ Rally: 'Not Welcome Here'

WILDWOOD, NJ — There are a lot of people who plan on attending President Donald Trump’s rally in Wildwood on Tuesday, Jan. 28. But not all of them will be there to support the Republican icon.

Trump's campaign has received about 100,000 ticket requests for the event, according to U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew. The number of requests significantly exceeds the Wildwoods Convention Center's capacity of 7,400. Doors open at 3 p.m., and President Trump will take the stage at 7 p.m.

• See related article: Trump Wildwood Rally: Road Closures, Protests, Security, Parking
• See related article: Transportation, Traffic Information For Trump's Wildwood Rally

Many Garden State residents have been blasting social media with their excitement over Trump's arrival, praising the president and reaffirming their votes for him in 2020.

"The Montclair Republican Club is proud to represent our town at the Trump rally in Wildwood tomorrow night, to celebrate three years of policies which have lifted countless thousands of citizens out of economic hardship and re-asserted U.S. interests in the global economy," club president John Van Wagner told Patch.

"The fact that wages and employment opportunities are finally growing for some of the country's most underserved populations, including and especially women and minorities, underlines this administration's commitment to the American worker, and points to a decisive Trump victory in 2020," Van Wagner stated.

But others, including New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chair John Currie, have said they aren't so thrilled to have Trump in their backyard.

"If there is one thing New Jerseyans have made clear since 2016, it’s this: President Trump’s corrupt agenda is not welcome in our state," Currie recently wrote in an email about the rally.

Organizers are planning to hold several anti-Trump protests outside the convention center on Tuesday. Martin Luther King III, the oldest son of Martin Luther King Jr., will reportedly be at the largest counter-rally, which is being spearheaded by Cape May County Indivisible.

"I am so honored to have Martin Luther King III join me at the Cape May County Indivisible Protest Rally on January 28," said Amy Kennedy, a Democratic Party challenger to Van Drew in the 2nd District. "He represents a call for unity, civility, and human rights – which is the antithesis of the current political climate under President Trump and Jeff Van Drew."

More than 1,400 people have expressed interest in attending that protest on its Facebook event page.

Wildwood police said they plan to balance the safety of those in attendance with the First Amendment rights of those who choose to protest.

Many Trump supporters have said they respect the rights of those who choose to rally against the president Tuesday, even if they disagree with them.

"Everyone has a right to their opinion," a Sicklerville resident told the Courier-Post. "As long as it's peaceful protest, it's fine."

Here are some of the groups who plan to organize protests at the president's rally on Tuesday.

"TRUMP: YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE!"

WHERE/WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 3 p.m. Wildwood Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk Avenue. Exact spot will be announced and is subject to change due to security.

ORGANIZED BY: Indivisible, in solidarity with Cape May County Indivisible, New Jersey Working Families, NJ-11th For Change, ATNJ, CD-2 Progressive Democrats, NJ7 Forward, South Jersey Women For Progressive Change, Indivisible Cranbury, Indivisible Central New Jersey, Indivisible Philadelphia, CD-3 Indivisible, CD-5 Indivisible, Collingswood Democratic Committee, South Jersey Progressive Democrats, United Progressive Democrats, STAND Central, NJ-08 For Progress, Hudson County Progressive Alliance, Our Revolution New Jersey, Berlin Boro Progressive Democrats, Cumberland County BernieCrats, District 4 Coalition For Change, SOMA, People For Progress, Women Get S*** Done, Upper Township Democrats, Essex Rising, Women For Progress, Refuse Fascism - Philly

WHY THEY’RE PROTESTING: "When hate comes to our own backyard, we feel a moral obligation to stand up and take action. Please join us in peaceful protest as we stand in solidarity against the racism, bigotry, violence, and corruption of the Trump administration. We send a clear message that we reject Jeff Van Drew as our Congressman, who pledged his undying support to Trump's hateful regime. He does not represent us, and we WILL be taking back his seat. We celebrate our diversity - which makes us truly great - and we'll continue working to make this country better for ALL of us!" (Learn more)

"DEFEAT TRUMP AND VAN DREW TOO"

WHERE/WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Wildwood Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk Avenue.

ORGANIZED BY: Cape May County Democrats in solidarity with Atlantic County Democrats and Greater Wildwood Democratic Club

WHY THEY’RE PROTESTING: "Join us at 5:30 p.m. outside the Convention Center to tell Trump he isn't welcome in South Jersey and make sure he knows we won't re-elect him or Van Drew in 2020!" (Learn more)

"TRUMP WILDWOOD PROTEST"

WHERE/WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 3:30 p.m. Wildwood Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk Avenue.

ORGANIZED BY: Real Democrats of New Jersey and The Standard

WHY THEY’RE PROTESTING: "Donald Trump is coming to New Jersey for a rally. Congressman Jeff Van Drew who recently abandoned his party and his voters is scheduled to speak as well. We will be outside, protesting with groups from all over New Jersey and beyond." (Learn more)

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