The Hamptons is once again facing a traffic gridlock as Donald Trump makes his way out East for a fundraising event. Cantor Fitzgerald’s Howard Lutnick and Farvahar Partners CEO Omeed Malik are co-hosting the event along with billionaire hedge funder John Paulson. Paulson, a Trump mega donor, previously raised $50 million for Trump during an event at his Palm Beach home in April.
According to reports by Bloomberg, tickets for the Bridgehampton event are priced from $25,000 per person to $500,000 for a couple to host. Attendees have the opportunity to pay $50,000 to $75,000 for a photo with Trump. The event is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions in the area, with road closures scheduled from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
As Trump lands at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach and travels to Bridgehampton, several towns including Westhampton Beach, Hampton Bays, Southampton, Shinnecock Hills, North Sea, Water Mill, and Bridgehampton will be affected by the road closures. Southampton Town Police Lt. Todd Spencer has confirmed the disruptions, highlighting the potential chaos that will ensue during the event.
This political traffic nightmare in the Hamptons is not unique to Trump’s visit. President Biden’s previous fundraising event in the area, hosted by billionaire Barry Rosenstein, also caused significant traffic back-ups. Locals complained about the added travel time due to Biden’s motorcade, with reports of over 45 minutes of delays traveling between Southampton and East Hampton. The frustration among residents was palpable, and the relief of Biden’s departure was evident in the improvement of traffic flow.
The influx of political figures and their fundraising events in the Hamptons has repeatedly led to chaos on the roads. The disruption caused by high-profile visits highlights the need for better planning and coordination to minimize the impact on residents and commuters in the area. Political gridlock in the Hamptons extends beyond legislative stalemates and is a tangible issue that affects the daily lives of those in the community.
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