Donald Trump to attend Hamptons fundraiser; police warn of 'heavy gridlock,' road closures

Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend a Hamptons fundraiser Friday, providing a cash infusion as his strategy pivots to run against Vice President Kamala Harris.

The dinner, hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald LP Chief Executive Officer Howard Lutnick, is asking attendees to pay $25,000 to attend, $50,000 for a photo with the Republican nominee and as much as $500,000 to be listed as a host, according to people familiar with the matter. Co-hosts for the event include former hedge fund manager John Paulson and Omeed Malik, head of 1789 Capital, both of whom attended the Republican National Convention last month.

Southampton police issued a traffic advisory for Friday, warning there will be "extensive rolling road closures and heavy gridlock" throughout the afternoon and evening in Westhampton, Hampton Bays, Southampton, Shinnecock Hills, North Sea, Water Mill and Bridgehampton. They suggested motorists avoid the area.

Trump is also expected to attend fundraisers in Montana and Wyoming this month.

The fundraising blitz comes as Trump faces a new campaign rival following President Joe Biden’s decision to step down as the party’s nominee. Since Harris emerged as the likely Democratic nominee, the former president has quickly added campaign events to his calendar.

A representative for the Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Lutnick through a spokesperson declined to comment.

Harris’ entry in the race has brought a surge of Democratic enthusiasm and new money, with her campaign saying it’s raised more than $100 million in its first day. That could cut into a fundraising lead Trump amassed in recent months as Biden’s donors withheld contributions to pressure him to drop out of the race.

Trump’s campaign had $128 million at the beginning of July, according to federal filings. Biden’s campaign started the month with $96 million, which Harris’ team inherited when the president dropped out of the race.