After truckers across the country took part in “Mayday” protest activities, President Trump took to Twitter to offer a message of support.
As part of a larger “Mayday” protest movement beginning on May 1, a group of about 70 bobtail trucks parked along Constitution Avenue in Washington D.C. and blared their horns to draw attention to issues including low freight rates and unscrupulous freight brokers. Many of the demonstrators are members of the “Disrespected Trucker” Facebook group.
All through the weekend, the trucks remained parked in downtown Washington D.C. as the group used their horns and their social media platforms to appeal to the President for help.
Around 9:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, Trump took to Twitter to offer the following message to the trucking community:
I’m with the TRUCKERS all the way. Thanks for the meeting at the White House with my representatives from the Administration. It is all going to work out well!
I’m with the TRUCKERS all the way. Thanks for the meeting at the White House with my representatives from the Administration. It is all going to work out well!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 4, 2020
It isn’t clear what action, if any, the President plans to take to address the concerns of the demonstrating drivers.
Around the time that the President sent the tweet in support of truckers on Sunday night, several social media users reported that White House aides distributed red hats that read “USA Strong” and “Keep America Great” to the truckers on Constitution Avenue.
The group planned to remain in D.C. through Monday, May 4. Group organizers are still working to arrange a meeting with White House staffers or Trump himself.
Following a similar trucker protest in Houston leading up to the Mayday events, Houston Police agreed to open an investigation into driver claims of wage theft by freight brokers.
Just two weeks ago, Trump held an event on South Lawn of the White House to recognize the efforts of U.S. truckers as they work to keep America moving during the pandemic.