By Hank Russell
As former president Donald Trump makes his way to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Nassau County’s minority leader is asking the county executive for details on traffic closures and the costs associated with holding the event.
On September 11, Trump announced that he will make a campaign stop in Uniondale on September 18. Members of his campaign said that, despite the thwarted assassination attempt that took place at his golf course in Palm Beach, Florida, the Republican presidential candidate still intends to be there.
On September 16, County Executive Bruce Blakeman held a press conference regarding the security measures being implemented at the rally. He said that doors open at 3 p.m., and the event starts at 7 p.m. “I advise you: People should get there very early who want to attend the rally,” he said. “If you are not attending the rally — Uniondale, Hempstead, East Meadow — there will be traffic congestion because of the rally. … [I]f you don’t have business in that area, I urge you to stay away because, again, traffic will be incredibly heavy.”
Blakeman said Nassau law enforcement is up to the task. “We have the finest police department in the United States — incredibly educated, well-trained and experienced,” he said. “I believe we will keep not only the president and his guests and staff safe, but the general public as well. We are confident that we will have the assets necessary that this is safe for everyone.”
However, Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove), the Legislature minority leader, accused Blakeman of offering “vague” details on the coming traffic closures. “Nassau County residents deserve transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to events that disrupt their daily lives and strain their hard-earned tax dollars,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “It’s deeply concerning that County Executive Bruce Blakeman has provided no meaningful information to residents about the impact of Donald Trump’s visit to the Nassau Coliseum on Wednesday, beyond the vague statement that ‘traffic will be heavy. This lack of communication leaves Nassau residents in the dark about specific road closures, security measures, and logistical planning for an event that will inevitably cause significant disruption.”
She also said Blakeman “has dodged critical questions” about the costs associated with “hosting his political idol.” She called on the Trump campaign to reimburse the Nassau County Police Department for any overtime expenses incurred. “This visit is a private political event, and there’s no reason Nassau County taxpayers should foot the bill,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “Our residents should not be forced to pay for the political whims of County Executive Blakeman or Donald Trump.”
Legislator Patrick Mullaney (R-Long Beach), Chair of Public Safety Committee, blasted DeRiggi-Whitton’s remarks as “misguided” and “unnecessarily rude.” He pointed out that not releasing details about road closures and security plans “is standard procedure for events of this magnitude.”
He emphasized that Nassau County has hosted other large events in the past and ensured everyone’ safety at these events. “Implying that Nassau residents are uninformed or incapable of understanding the impact of such an event is both insulting and dismissive,” he said. “Common sense dictates avoiding the area unless necessary. Nassau County will continue to prioritize public safety, and residents can trust that these measures are in place to ensure the well-being of the community, not for political reasons.”