Trump Protesters Turn Out In Hamptons To Demand Change: Photos
SOUTHAMPTON, NY — As President Donald Trump visited the Hamptons for a series of fundraising events this weekend, a group of protesters joined forces in Southampton Saturday night to make their voices heard.
The "East End Together Against Trump" rally took place at the corner of Hill Street and First Neck Lane in Southampton Village.
About 60 protesters gathered at the rally, which was initially slated to take place earlier in the day but unfolded around 5:30 p.m.
"While it was a smaller crowd because we had to change the time, it was great to come together for what will hopefully be the last time to protest Trump," Lisa Votino, organizer of the event, said. "It was also really great to see so many younger people out protesting. We had middle schoolers and high schoolers that came out. I love to see them getting involved and using their voices."
Even Votino's daughter took part, holding a sign that read: "Ban Trump, Not TikTok."
It's not the first time a fundraising visit by Trump to the Hamptons sparked protest: In 2019, Trump headed to Southampton for two fundraisers and hundreds turned out across the East End to protest against the president.
"Stop hate, save America," protesters chanted at a "Rally to Save America, Stop Hate" hosted by the Progressive East End Reformers/NYPAN in Water Mill.
"I feel it's my duty to as an American citizen to speak out," said Angela Giovanniello, of East Quogue, one of of about 250 protesters at the rally in 2019. "I feel our government is no longer working in our best interests."
Reported preparations for Trump's arrival took place Wednesday, with military helicopters engaging in a "practice run" at Southampton High School.
Trump's fundraising visit to the Hamptons reportedly began with a dinner Thursday attended by Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., and his girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, according to CNBC.com.
Tickets were reportedly slated to cost up to $50,000.
On Saturday, tickets to the Hamptons fundraiser reportedly included a photo opportunity, roundtable and an event where tickets were slated to fetch up to $500,000 per couple, with proceeds benefitting the Trump Victory Committee and Republican National Committee, the post said.
A "TrumpStock" boat parade was held Friday, with a crowd of celebratory supporters gathering together for a flotilla, singing, and decorating their vessels.
The event was the second TrumpStock boat parade on Long Island in recent months; the first was held in June with separate routes in Patchogue and Massapequa.
Trump's visit comes amid social distancing protocols and a statewide ban on gatherings of more than 50 people put in place by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Southampton was recently in the spotlight for a controversial Chainsmokers concert in Southampton, where a packed crowd was caught on video violating social distancing protocols. Guilfoyle tested positive for the coronavirus in July, according to an NBC report.
This article originally appeared on the Southampton Patch
