Truckers Propose New York City Delivery Boycott
Truck drivers supporting Donald Trump are advocating for a delivery boycott in New York City following his recent $355 million fraud verdict. They believe such a boycott could significantly disrupt the city.
Jennifer Hernandez, a trucker involved in the boycott initiative, stated on NewsNation’s Morning in America that the action “could shut New York City down.” She emphasized that losing even a small percentage of delivery trucks could lead to skyrocketing prices on essential goods like milk and eggs.
The extent of support for this proposed boycott remains uncertain, as does its potential impact on the city’s delivery situation. Truckers are reportedly responding to a New York court’s decision ordering Trump to pay the hefty fine after determining that his company had inflated asset values to secure better loan conditions.
Mixed Results from Previous Boycotts
Responses from the New York Mayor’s Office, the New York Association of Convenience Stores, and the National Supermarkets Association on this issue have yet to come in. Notably, prior trucker boycotts have met with varied success. A suggested one-day boycott in Florida over a strict immigration law last summer did not gain traction.
It’s important to note that many truckers do not own their vehicles, and those who do often feel pressured financially to accept any available jobs. In contrast, a trucker boycott in Colorado in late 2021 was effective, leading to a significant reduction in the sentence of a driver convicted of a fatal crash after public outcry, including a petition with millions of signatures.
Trump Backs the Boycott
Trump has expressed support for the truckers’ proposed boycott on his Truth Social platform, calling it an honor to have “Great Patriots” advocating for freedom. He criticized the legal actions against him as a threat to democracy and encouraged followers with a “Make America Great Again” message.
On the social media platform X, a truck driver known as Chicago1Ray shared a video indicating that he had spoken with multiple colleagues who were committed to refusing deliveries to New York City. Following Trump’s acknowledgment of their plans, others also voiced their support for the movement.
Court Ruling and Implications
In the court ruling delivered last Friday, Judge Arthur Engoron mandated Trump and his company pay $355 million for misrepresenting his wealth over the years, impacting his dealings with banks and insurers. Additionally, Trump has been barred from serving as a director at any New York firm for three years. He has publicly criticized the judge and New York Attorney General Letitia James outside his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
