Trump Event At Winged Foot Draws Protesters and Supporters

MAMARONECK, NY — The protest signs decried former President Donald Trump's four years as the leader of the western world, but for those gathered at the gates of Winged Foot Golf Club, the issues were as much with neighbors feting Donald Trump as it was with the former president.

Roughly two dozen protesters gathered at the main gate of the storied golf club on Wednesday, with others picketing alternate entrances to the country club. At least one Trump supporter was also on hand to greet the controversial politician when he arrived for a dinner thrown in his honor.

Protest signs called out Trump's administration for more than 600,000 deaths that activists believe were largely preventable. Other placards blamed the 45th president for actions they believe resulted in a violent riot at the U.S. Capitol that has since been followed by the suicide deaths of four police officers who responded to the attacks.

This Trump supporter gave Patch permission to photograph her "Trump Still My President Hat," but didn't want her picture taken. (Jeff Edwards | Patch)

For those from the community protesting, the peaceful demonstration was very much about their neighbors honoring a man they believe sought to undermine the very foundation of the country's democracy.

"This visit is bringing shame to our town," Amy Reich, a protester from Larchmont said. "It breaks my heart. It's our neighbors that belong to this club and they're honoring a man who has done lasting harm to our democracy and left more than 600,000 Americans dead because of his lies. There are a lot of members who have a lot of money and think they can do whatever they want. We're here to remind them that we live here too."

Around two dozen protesters gathered in front of Winged Foot, welcoming former President Donald Trump with mostly jeers, but a few isolated cheers. (Jeff Edwards | Patch)

The few Trump supporters on hand mostly co-existed with the much larger group of anti-Trump demonstrators. Motorists on Fenimore Road were less diffident. While those supporting the anti-Trump protesters, including a taxi driver returning from dropping a fare off at the club, mostly offered a beep of the horn and a thumbs up, more than one Trump supporter stopped on the busy roadway to express their displeasure, shouting, "Get a job" and "Hillary should be in prison."

The banquet to honor Trump is being hosted by fellow Winged Foot member and Trump supporter Ted Virtue, according to an NBC News report. Virtue was expected to play a round with Trump and investor Paul Queally before the dinner at the club.

The event has reportedly caused a rift among club members, but Winged Foot decided to proceed with the event.

Protest signs read "Wrong Foot, Winged Foot" and "Tiny Hands Covered in Blood 600K Dead." (Jeff Edwards | Patch)

Asked if a private event thrown by a member of a private club deserved the vocal and visible response on display, Amy Siskind, one of the protest's chief organizers, said that normalizing or ignoring Trump might pose more of a threat than most people realize.

"This is someone who tried to violently overthrow our government and undermine our democracy," Siskind said. "He should be held accountable, not honored. Shame on Ted Virtue. Shame on Winged Foot. It's our duty to oppose authoritarianism. This isn't over. He's still trying to destabilize this country. He's not done yet."