‘Trump Car’ owner refuses to settle with town that ordered him to take down flags

A Long Island man, Michael Wasserman, has garnered attention in Long Beach for his bold display of support for former President Donald Trump. His vehicles, including a Porsche Carrera, Jeep Wrangler, and humvee, are adorned with pro-Trump and anti-Biden and Harris signage and flags, some with explicit language.

Some of the flags on Wasserman’s vehicles read “F–k Joe Biden” and “Trump 2024.” In 2021, local officials ordered Wasserman to remove the signage, citing a city ordinance prohibiting displays within the city limits. However, Wasserman, 62, refused to comply, arguing that it violated his First Amendment rights.

As a result, Wasserman filed a lawsuit against the City of Long Beach, the chief of police, the city manager, and specific police officers in Brooklyn Federal Court seeking $25 million in damages. The Long Beach City Council later voted to settle with Wasserman for $50,000, but he rejected the offer, insisting on at least $100,000, which he intends to donate to charity.

Wasserman, a former Democrat who switched parties in 2004, emphasized that the lawsuit is not about money but about defending his constitutional rights. Despite facing harassment from neighbors and alleged vandalism to his vehicles, Wasserman remains steadfast in his stance.

While some residents have expressed gratitude to Wasserman for his bold display of support, he acknowledged the legal battles and challenges he has endured over the years. Despite the adversity, Wasserman finds satisfaction in standing up for his beliefs and pushing back against those who oppose him.

The Long Beach City Council has yet to respond to Wasserman’s demands for a higher settlement amount. The ongoing dispute highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding political expression and freedom of speech in public spaces.