‘Make Trucking Great Again’: Truckers show support for President Trump

Truck owner Nir Udi, left, and truck driver Yasmani Ferrera join other truck drivers and small truck owners during a rally along Constitution Avenue Northwest near the White House Friday, May 1, 2020, in Washington, to gather support on the plight of the trucks drivers and small truck owners. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 11:42 AM PT — Saturday, May 16, 2020

President Trump has voiced his support for local truckers, who have been protesting low shipping rates for independent drivers. On Friday, the president acknowledged the sounds of horns blaring in the distance and took time to show his support for the industry.

“You hear that outside, that beautiful sound? Those are truckers that are with us all the way. They’re protesting in favor of President Trump, as opposed to against. There’s hundreds of trucks out there and that’s the sign of love, not the sign of your typical protest. I want to thank our great truckers. They like me and I like them.” – Donald Trump, 45th President of the United States

Truckers blasted their horns outside the White House to protest low pay rates during the pandemic and interrupted Trump’s remarks. Trump said “they are with us all the way” but many have said he needs to do something to help them. pic.twitter.com/3ZI6VWnzJx

— COURIER (@CourierNewsroom) May 15, 2020

This came after a convoy of trucks lined the streets of D.C. for the second “Make Trucking Great Again” demonstration this month.

“We’re going to let President Trump know that we’re here, we’re not moving,” stated one attendee. “We want our fair share, and we need laws to protect these drivers.”

The disruption continued throughout the president’s conference on COVID-19 vaccine progress and the “Hard Work, Heroism and Hope Ceremony.”

Truck drivers are driving in a circle blowing their horns outside the US Capitol. Truckers outside WH are protesting low freight rates,not pro Trump. Trump can barely be heard over their horns during his press conference. Awesome! pic.twitter.com/lyBHwI5QgV

— Terrence Daniels (Captain ???? Planet) (@Terrence_STR) May 15, 2020

President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he departs the White House on Marine One, Friday, May 15, 2020, in Washington. Trump is en route to Camp David, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Earlier this month, the group of truckers parked along Constitution Avenue in hopes of attracting the president’s attention over their concerns about falling pay rates. The pandemic has had a major impact on the trucking industry, due to meat shortages, restaurant closures and several mass producers going bankrupt.

“Man, it’s outrageous. We’re just small carriers that is trying to make it and ensure that we can make money just to survive. Then you turn around and, you know, you got guys out here that are gouging the system.” – Demetris Price, truck driver

President Trump has continuously praised truckers for their role amid the ongoing pandemic. Last month, the president touted them as front line workers for transporting emergency medical supplies and keeping stores stocked during multiple lockdowns.

“We appreciate that at a time of widespread shutdowns, truck drivers form the lifeblood of our economy,” he said. “For days and sometimes weeks, truck drivers leave their homes and deliver supplies that American families need and count on during this national crisis.”

READ MORE: Truckers Protest Low Rates In D.C. ‘May Day’ Demonstration