In a bold show of solidarity with former President Donald Trump, a faction of pro-Trump truck drivers, self-styled as "Truckers for Trump," have declared a boycott against making deliveries to New York City. This collective action stems from their discontent with a recent civil fraud ruling that imposed a hefty $355 million fine on Trump. The judgment, issued by New York Judge Arthur Engoron, not only penalized Trump financially but also barred him from conducting business in the state for three years, a decision that has ignited fervor among his staunch supporters.
The ruling, a culmination of a months-long trial initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James, found Trump, his family, and the Trump Organization liable for asset inflation and fraud. This verdict has deeply resonated with Trump's supporters, particularly within the trucking community, who view the legal action as an affront not only to Trump but to the values they believe he stands for.
Chicago Ray, a trucker and vocal Trump supporter, took to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to rally his fellow truckers. "I stand with Trump because Trump stands with me. Truckers for Trump ain't just a slogan, it's real," he proclaimed, encapsulating the sentiment of solidarity that has galvanized the group. In a subsequent post, Ray called for an immediate boycott, stating, "I've been on the radio talking to drivers... about 10 drivers... I don't know how far across the country this is or how many truckers are going to start denying loads going to New York City, but I'll tell you what - you f--- around and find out."
The truckers' campaign has garnered support beyond the highways, with notable figures like Elena Cardone, wife of real estate mogul Grant Cardone, stepping in to back Trump. Elena launched a GoFundMe page titled "Stand with Trump; Fund the $355M Unjust Judgment," which has already amassed nearly $310,000. Grant Cardone echoed the sentiment of unwavering support for Trump on X, criticizing the judgment as "ridiculous."
Trump himself has acknowledged and applauded the truckers' movement, expressing his gratitude on his social media platform, Truth Social. "Such an honor to have so many Great Patriots on the side of FREEDOM!" he stated, underscoring his appreciation for the truckers' stand against what he perceives as the "Unfair and Dangerous Weaponization of Law Enforcement."
The burgeoning "Truckers for Trump" movement and the ensuing boycott pose a potentially significant logistical challenge to New York City's supply chain, although the full impact remains to be seen. This protest follows in the footsteps of past trucker-led demonstrations, such as the "People's Convoy" to Washington, D.C., against Covid-19 mandates, highlighting the trucking community's capacity for mobilization and protest.
As this story unfolds, the trucking community's stand in solidarity with Trump not only underscores the enduring support for the former president within certain segments of the American populace but also signals a willingness to leverage their economic role as a form of political protest. The days ahead will reveal the extent of the boycott's impact on New York City and whether this movement will catalyze further actions within the pro-Trump base.
