A 100-foot wide “Vote for Trump” sign in upstate New York is generating controversy after the City of Amsterdam claimed it violates local codes due to its size and illumination. The sign, installed by Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino, sits atop the old Fownes glove factory and is visible from the New York State Thruway.
According to Fox News Constantino said the sign symbolizes the return of American manufacturing and the triumph of the underdog, drawing parallels between his own business success and Donald Trump’s political journey. “President Trump triumphed against massive adversity, and we did too,” Constantino said. “No one believed we could build a massive tech and sticker company in upstate New York.”
However, the City of Amsterdam has taken legal action to prevent the display and lighting of the sign, citing it as a potential distraction to drivers and a violation of city code. According to court documents, officials allege the sign “presents a dangerous distraction” and impacts traffic flow, particularly when illuminated at night. The city claims Sticker Mule was informed in August that permits and variances were required before the sign could be installed, but the company did not respond.
Constantino and his legal team are contesting the city’s claims, suggesting that political motivations are at play. The CEO argued that Amsterdam’s Democratic-endorsed mayor, Michael Cinquanti, is opposed to Trump and is using the sign’s installation as a political target. Cinquanti did not respond to requests for comment.
Despite the legal challenges, Constantino remains optimistic about his company’s role in revitalizing the local economy. Sticker Mule, which began as an online sticker business, now employs 1,200 people in 39 countries and has created nearly 1,000 manufacturing jobs in the U.S. The Fownes factory, once a symbol of job loss in Amsterdam, has been restored and now houses part of Constantino’s operations.
In celebration of the sign’s installation, Constantino’s political action committee, StickerPAC, is hosting a “Trump Sign Lighting Party” on Oct. 7, featuring UFC fighters Henry Cejudo, Kelvin Gastelum, and Tracy Cortez. Representative Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is also expected to speak at the event.
The city, however, has moved to block the event. On Oct. 3, Amsterdam’s code enforcer issued a violation notice to Sticker Mule, giving the company two days to remove the sign. A preliminary injunction was also granted by a New York court, temporarily halting the display and illumination of the sign. A hearing on the matter is set for Oct. 8.
Sal Ferlazzo, general counsel for Sticker Mule, criticized the city’s actions, claiming there is no evidence to support the idea that the sign poses a danger to drivers. He added that the court’s initial decision was made without giving Sticker Mule a chance to respond.
In compliance with the court order, the pro-Trump sign has been temporarily covered, but Constantino expressed frustration over the city’s actions. He suggested Mayor Cinquanti has “Trump derangement syndrome” and is opposing the sign for political reasons rather than safety concerns.
The mayor, however, has denied political motivations, telling The Daily Gazette that his primary concern is driver safety. “Any sign that represents a hazard to drivers is something we have to address, regardless of its content,” Cinquanti said.
Despite the legal hurdles, Constantino is determined to move forward with the planned event, calling the sign a “beautiful and uplifting” symbol for both Democrats and Republicans. He sees it as a win for upstate New York and hopes it will become a tourist attraction, particularly if Trump wins the upcoming election.
“We need to move past the division in this country,” Constantino said. “I’m inviting everyone, regardless of party, to come and enjoy this event with us.”