The Hamptons is once again preparing for a traffic chaos as Donald Trump plans to attend a fundraising event in the area. The event is being cohosted by Howard Lutnick from Cantor Fitzgerald, CEO Omeed Malik from Farvahar Partners, and billionaire hedge funder John Paulson. This isn’t the first time Paulson has supported Trump, back in April he hosted an event in Palm Beach, Florida that raised $50 million for the former president. Trump has even suggested Paulson as a potential Secretary of the Treasury if he wins.
According to reports, tickets for the Bridgehampton event range from $25,000 per person to $500,000 for a couple to host. For those interested in a photo opportunity with Trump, they can pay anywhere from $50,000 to $75,000. The event has caused concerns among locals as road closures are expected from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in several areas including Westhampton Beach, Hampton Bays, Southampton, Shinnecock Hills, North Sea, Water Mill, and Bridgehampton. Trump will be landing at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach and driving to Bridgehampton for the fundraiser.
This isn’t the first time the Hamptons has faced traffic disruptions due to political fundraising events. In June, President Biden visited the area for fundraisers at billionaire Barry Rosenstein’s home. Complaints arose regarding the heavy traffic caused by Biden’s motorcade, with some individuals noting that it added over 45 minutes to their commute from Southampton to East Hampton. Upon Biden’s departure, the traffic situation improved, and locals expressed relief that the congestion had eased.
Residents’ Reactions
The impact of political figures visiting the Hamptons for fundraising purposes extends beyond just traffic issues. Locals have expressed frustration over the disruption to their daily routines and the challenges posed by road closures and increased congestion. The financial contributions made by attendees of these events may benefit the political causes they support, but they also come at a cost to the community in terms of disrupted travel patterns and inconvenience.
The intersection of politics and fundraising in the Hamptons highlights the complexities of hosting high-profile events in a residential area. While these events may bring financial support to political campaigns, they also create logistical challenges for residents and local authorities. Finding a balance between supporting democratic processes and respecting the needs of the community remains an ongoing struggle in areas like the Hamptons.