Once again, the Hamptons is facing a traffic nightmare as former President Donald Trump makes his way to the 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, who is a mega donor for Trump. This gathering comes after Paulson hosted a similar event in his Palm Beach, Fla. home, raising a staggering $50 million for the former president.
For those looking to attend the Bridgehampton event, tickets range from $25,000 per person to a hefty $500,000 for a couple to host. Additionally, attendees have the opportunity to snap a photo with Trump by shelling out $50,000 to $75,000. The financial commitments required for this event are staggering, but not uncommon in the world of high-profile political fundraising.
Trump will be arriving at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach and will then be making his way to Bridgehampton. According to reports from the East Hampton Star, there will be road closures from approximately 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., affecting several areas including Westhampton Beach, Hampton Bays, Southampton, Shinnecock Hills, North Sea, Water Mill, and Bridgehampton. The local authorities are already preparing for the disruptions that will be caused by the event.
This recent traffic chaos is reminiscent of President Biden’s visit to the Hamptons in June, where he attended a fundraiser at billionaire Barry Rosenstein’s home. Locals were quick to complain about the extensive traffic back-ups caused by Biden’s motorcade. One source noted that it added over 45 minutes to their commute from Southampton to East Hampton. The frustration among residents was palpable, with many citing Biden’s visit as the cause of the traffic nightmare.
Overall, the Hamptons seems to have become a hotspot for political fundraisers, causing significant disruptions to the daily lives of residents. The influx of high-profile events only serves to exacerbate the already congested traffic situation in the area. As political figures continue to flock to this exclusive enclave for fundraising activities, it appears that the cycle of traffic gridlock will persist, much to the chagrin of the locals.