Trump might be the biggest lightning rod for public outrage right now, but let’s not forget he didn’t get there alone. A long list of politicians has backed him, enabling his corrupt and authoritarian playbook every step of the way. One of those enablers is none other than Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Recently, a group of protestors, including climate activists, decided to make an uninvited appearance at a private mansion in the Hamptons, New York. The mansion, at that time, was hosting an exclusive fundraiser attended by some of the political elite. And if you’re wondering why people are upset with Senator Gillibrand, Reddit user coachlife broke it down clearly.
Gillibrand voted yes on Trump’s climate-wrecking budget. She also backed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the guy who has been actively dismantling clean vehicle standards and fighting NYC’s congestion pricing. These are two key policies that could actually reduce emissions in her own state. Then there is Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, another Gillibrand-approved pick, who is overseeing the transformation of public lands into fossil fuel extraction zones. National parks are starting to look less like natural sanctuaries and more like drilling sites.
And if that weren’t already enough, Gillibrand recently launched a baseless attack against NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, falsely accusing him of making references to global jihad. Many saw the accusation for what it was, an Islamophobic smear against a progressive opponent, used as a distraction from her own troubling voting record.
A short clip of the protest in the Hamptons was first uploaded to Reddit, but it’s actually part of a longer video posted by YouTuber Walter Masterson. In the full video, you can hear the protesters explain why they chose to target Senator Gillibrand. Their main criticism centers on her failure to stand up to Trump and his harmful policies.
They also point out that Gillibrand has shown little interest in pushing legislation that helps everyday New Yorkers, choosing instead to serve the interests of her wealthy donors. The location of the event, a lavish Hamptons mansion, only added weight to their argument. In the video, you can watch as the protesters enter the mansion holding white cloths with handwritten slogans. Guests scattered quickly at the sight of them. It wasn’t long before the protesters were forcibly removed from the property, but they continued to rally near the entrance, loudly voicing their demands.
Reddit users widely applauded the protesters for taking a stand against Senator Gillibrand at the Hamptons mansion. Many voiced strong disapproval of the senator and her political record. One user wrote, “She’s also an AIPAC pawn who supports Israel’s genocide. F*** her. I voted against her for a third-party candidate who stood for a free Palestine. She makes me sick.”
