Giant “Vote for Trump” Sign Lights Up in Upstate New York After Judge’s Ruling

A towering “Vote for Trump” sign lit up the sky in Amsterdam, New York, on Monday night, sparking both celebration and controversy following a judge’s ruling that allowed the sign to be displayed despite opposition from local Democrats.

The 100-foot sign, positioned atop the Sticker Mule facility, became visible to the city’s 18,000 residents and beyond, reaching travelers on the New York State Thruway.

The lighting event occurred just two hours after Montgomery County Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Slezak lifted a restraining order that had prevented the sign from being displayed. The order had been put in place following legal challenges from Amsterdam Mayor Michael Cinquanti, a Democrat, and other city officials, who argued that the massive sign was a safety hazard and could lead to accidents. However, Justice Slezak’s ruling marked a victory for Anthony Constantino, CEO of Sticker Mule and the driving force behind the project.

Constantino, an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump and leader of a political action committee promoting Trump’s candidacy, viewed the court’s decision as a triumph for both free speech and political expression. He was quick to voice his satisfaction, saying, “Democrats want to get rid of free speech and censor America, and so the sign now signifies something even bigger than what I thought. … In America, I got a First Amendment right.”

The story of the sign began back in August when a representative from Sticker Mule approached city officials about their plan to erect the “Vote for Trump” campaign sign. At the time, local authorities instructed the company to secure the necessary permits and zoning variances before proceeding. According to reports from the New York Post, Sticker Mule failed to comply with these instructions, prompting the legal battle that ensued.

City officials, led by Mayor Cinquanti, filed a lawsuit arguing that the sign posed a “dangerous distraction” to drivers. They expressed concerns that curious passersby might stop to take photos with the novelty sign, potentially disrupting traffic and causing accidents. “All at the risk of injuring other operators and/or passengers in traveling vehicles,” the lawsuit stated.

Despite these objections, Justice Slezak ruled that the sign was situated far enough from major roads to pose no real danger to traffic. She also pointed out that the lawsuit against the sign contained clerical errors and gave plaintiffs until October 18 to refile their case, leaving the door open for further legal challenges.

In the meantime, Constantino and his legal team were celebrating. Sal Ferlazzo, Constantino’s lawyer, expressed his relief, stating, “All I know is tonight the party is on, and the lighting will occur. There is no court order prohibiting the lighting and display of the sign.” He called it a “nice victory for Anthony and his team.”

As night fell, a crowd gathered at the Sticker Mule facility to witness the sign’s grand debut. Positioned 100 feet above ground, the illuminated “Vote for Trump” message beamed across the small upstate New York town, capturing the attention of both supporters and critics alike.

Constantino, in addition to his role as CEO, has been a staunch advocate for Trump’s re-election, and the sign is part of his broader campaign to drum up support. For him, the sign’s significance transcends mere political endorsement. “It’s my building, it’s a beautiful sign, and whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, the sign is an uplifting thing for community enthusiasm,” Constantino claimed, framing the sign as a symbol of free speech.

The legal skirmish over the sign is far from over, however. While Constantino has won this round, the city of Amsterdam has the opportunity to refocus its case and challenge the display again in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the massive “Vote for Trump” sign will remain in place, standing tall as a reminder of the deep political divisions that continue to shape the country.

Democrats in the area are not backing down either. Mayor Cinquanti and other local officials maintain their belief that the sign is a public safety issue, even if the courts ruled otherwise. Their legal team is expected to refine their arguments and potentially file a new case by the court’s October 18 deadline.

For now, the 100-foot sign is a prominent fixture of Amsterdam’s skyline. Whether it becomes a permanent symbol of political expression or is eventually removed by further legal action remains to be seen. One thing is certain—this unusual battle over a campaign sign has sparked a passionate debate about free speech, safety, and the lengths people are willing to go to support their political candidates.