Trump Headed To Hamptons Friday; Protesters Set To Rally

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY – President Donald Trump is slated to head to the Hamptons Friday for campaign re-election fundraisers, and residents are both preparing to rally in protest and navigate potential traffic woes.

Local builder Joe Farrell is reportedly hosting Trump, Rep. Lee Zeldin, and Lindsay Graham for a fundraiser at his Bridgehampton home on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Developer Stephen Ross is also hosting a fundraiser for Trump in Southampton, with tickets costing up to $250,000, according to an article in the Washington Post.

Trump supporters can contribute as much as $250,000 to the president's reelection in exchange for a meal, a photo with the president and participation in a round-table discussion attended by Trump. Those who are less enthusiastic about the president can opt for a more pedestrian $100,000 ticket and skip the discussion, the Washington Post reported.

Ross, who helms a far-reaching business empire, is facing backlash for hosting the fundraiser. Model Chrissy Teigen and comedian Billy Eichner both took to social media to encourage Equinox and Soulcycle members — both owned by Ross — to cancel the gyms.

Kenny Stills, a wide receiver on the Ross-owned Miami Dolphins, took his employer to task over perceived hypocrisy regarding the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality. The charity seeks to use sports to eliminate racial descrimination and "improve race relations," according to its website. Stills is an outspoken critic of the NFL's treatment of Colin Kaepernick, who has been kept out of the league since protesting police brutality during the national anthem.

"You can't have a non profit with this mission statement then open your doors to Trump," Stills tweeted Wednesday.

A "Rally to Save America, Stop Hate," a peaceful protest event," hosted by Progressive East End Reformers/NYPAN, will take place on the Water Mill green Friday, according to organizers.

"This rally is critically important because right now our nation’s democracy and even its sense of humanity are under serious threat. We must stand up for our values and and against Trump’s blatant racism and provocation of hatred, the inhumane treatment of migrants, the refusal to protect our elections from foreign interference, and the dismantling of environmental regulation," Amy Turner, one of the organizers of the event, said.

The rally will begin with a moment of silence for the victims of the El Paso and Dayton mass shootings, she said.

Speakers, including Rabbi Jan Urbach of the Conservative Synagogue of the Hamptons, Sister Mary Beth Moore, and Jackie Gavron, activist, will speak about issues including what they deem "inhumane conditions at 200-plus immigrant detention centers; Trump’s blatant racism and provocation of hatred and divisiveness; refusal to protect our elections from Russian interference; and systematic undoing of environmental protections."

Other groups expected to attend include Centro Corazon De Maria, East End Action Network, East End Women for Change, Indivisible North Fork, Let’s Visit Lee Zeldin, Long Island Activists, Long Island Network for Change, NY 2nd Democrats, NISI: Neighbors in Support of Immigrants, Resist and Replace, ShowUpLI, Suffolk Progressives, and Together We Will LI.

"There is strength in numbers and beauty in unity. Let's bring it, East End," Kate Mueth, who posted a notice about the event on Facebook, said. Those attending are asked to bring signs and flags.

"The practice of coming together to stand against actions, tactics and positions our government is taking is a fundamental American right," Mueth said. "Time is not on our side, so yes, we will make it known that we are not happy with the dangerous lack of leadership occurring now."

Residents are already bemoaning potential traffic impacts of Trump's visit to the Hamptons.

It's not the first time Trump's visits to the East End and Long Island made headlines: Last year, Trump arrived on Air Force One at Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton — and his visit sparked both strong protests and steadfast shows of support.

Protesters galvanized and supporters also turned out with signs of solidarity; voicing their allegiance to the president on social media, as well.

In 2016, before he was elected, a fundraiser was held at a Southampton estate, sparking fears of traffic woes amongst motorists on the East End.

And last year, Trump came to Long Island to fight back against MS-13.