A truck driver known on social media as Chicago1Ray, who recently hinted at a trucker boycott of New York City, has stepped back from being the movement's figurehead.
The backdrop: After a New York judge ordered former President Donald Trump to pay over $350 million in a civil fraud case, Chicago1Ray suggested in a viral video that truckers might refuse loads to NYC to show support for Trump. Trump himself endorsed the suggestion.
I took that video down from Friday bc it went viral and my Grandson seen it on Tik Tok
— Chicago1Ray 🇺🇸 (@Chicago1Ray) February 19, 2024
No one's got to me ... I heard what drivers were saying and I'm hearing some of that today
I ain't scared of shit. I grew up in Chicago
I stand with Trump 💯% Truckers for Trump… pic.twitter.com/XhvtHF9CUq
Shift in stance: Chicago1Ray deleted the original video due to personal reasons and clarified in a follow-up that while he supports Trump, he doesn't want to lead a boycott and only shared "chatter" he'd heard about potential actions by drivers.
- He remains a Trump supporter but emphasizes individual freedom for truckers to make their own choices regarding the situation.
- Any planned action is not officially organized, and Chicago1Ray distances himself from becoming a spokesperson or organizer.
Legal context: The fine against Trump stems from fraudulent business practices, with New York Attorney General Letitia James stating this is "a tremendous victory" for everyone who believes "we all must play by the same rules — even former presidents," reported NBC News.
The bottom line: While there has been talk among truckers of a potential boycott against doing business in New York City, there is no formal movement afoot, and truckers remain independent in their decisions on how to respond to the situation.