Traffic delays, rolling highway closures and gridlock are possible across Rockland County on Friday, May 22, due to a presidential motorcade and Secret Service security protocols tied to President Donald Trump’s visit.
Because exact flight details and motorcade routes are not released publicly for security reasons, local transit agencies and regional officials are expected to issue advisories of disruptions across several key highways and local roads.
Trump and other White House officials have only announced appearances in the Town of Ramapo Friday, however visits could be expected in some parts of Clarkstown.
The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office said traffic security measures will be coordinated by the Secret Service, but local departments will be assisting.
Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht said road closures and “unprecedented heavy traffic delays beyond our control” are expected in Ramapo throughout the day and into the evening.
The USA Today Network New York Connect Team did not immediately hear back from other transit agencies.
Highways and routes that could face traffic delays
As of 7:30 a.m., police are already present on Rockland Community College’s campus to redirect traffic away from the entrance to the field house.
College Road in Suffern will be closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic between Carlton Road and Viola Road in both directions starting at noon and continuing through the remainder of the afternoon.
Parking will not be permitted on College Road, Viola Road and Spook Rock Road.
“Due to the nature of this event, last minute traffic pattern changes and road closures may occur,” Ramapo police said.
The following roads may experience extremely high congestion or full closures between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday, May 22.
When traffic is expected to be worst
Event doors are expected to open at 11 a.m., with the program scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Traffic congestion around Suffern is expected to build late Friday morning and peak between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. as attendees depart.
Drivers traveling through Rockland, Orange or Westchester counties on Friday are advised to allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes.
Where is Trump’s Rockland County event?
According to an RSVP link distributed by the White House, the event will be held at the Eugene Levy Fieldhouse at Rockland Community College, located at 145 College Road in Suffern.
The RSVP page states attendees may register for up to two tickets per mobile number. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
White House says visit will focus on tax cuts
A White House spokesperson told the USA TODAY Network the visit is intended to highlight Trump’s record on affordability for working families.
The administration pointed to provisions in last year’s tax and spending package, including tax breaks for tips, overtime pay and seniors’ income, along with an increased deduction for state and local taxes, known as SALT. Expanding the SALT deduction was a key priority for Lawler.
White House spokesperson Liz Huston said Trump also plans to contrast Republican support for the law with opposition from Democrats in Congress.
Democrats have criticized the legislation for reducing federal Medicaid and health care spending over the next decade, arguing the cuts could lead to coverage losses for some Americans.
Trump administration officials have visited district
Several Trump administration officials have visited Lawler’s Hudson Valley district in recent months as the congressman prepares for a competitive reelection campaign.
Recent visitors include Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler and Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Lawler race expected to be highly competitive
Five Democrats are competing in a June 23 primary for the chance to challenge Lawler in the 2026 midterm elections.
Lawler’s district is considered one of the nation’s key House battlegrounds and is the only New York congressional district currently rated a toss-up race. Control of the narrowly divided U.S. House could hinge on the outcome of seats like Lawler’s in November.
Contributing: USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Trump visit set to cause major Rockland traffic delays Friday. What to know
Reporting by Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
