A federal judge in upstate New York has ruled in favor of a business owner who displayed a 100-foot "Vote for Trump" sign, striking down an order from the city's Democratic mayor to cover it up. The CEO of Sticker Mule, the company that owns the sign, hailed the decision as a victory for free speech.
A 100-foot "Vote for Trump" sign now towers over the skyline in Amsterdam, New York, after a federal judge vacated an order to prevent its display. The sign, installed by Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino on the repurposed Fownes glove factory building, has sparked controversy and legal battles in recent weeks.
Sticker Mule CEO Celebrates 'Epic Win for Free Speech' After Court Upholds 'Vote for Trump' Sign
Constantino welcomed the judge's order, calling it an "epic win for free speech." Last week, Amsterdam's Democrat Mayor Michael Villa had sought a court order to have the sign covered, alleging that it violated the city's code.
On Monday, Constantino hosted an event to celebrate the first lighting of the sign in a show of support for former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate. He told Fox News Digital that "maybe 3,000 or so" people attended, including UFC star Henry Cejudo.
Sticker Mule CEO Celebrates 'Epic Win for Free Speech' After Court Upholds 'Vote for Trump' Sign
"It blew past expectations," Constantino said. "We didn't know what was going to happen. Everybody loved the event, it was all smiles. We had Democrats and Republicans there, and everyone was really happy with what we did."
The sign saga began in August when Constantino purchased the former glove factory and hoisted the massive "Vote for Trump" banner on its roof. The move drew swift criticism from Villa, who claimed that the sign violated the city's zoning code, which prohibits political signage on commercial buildings.
Sticker Mule CEO Celebrates 'Epic Win for Free Speech' After Court Upholds 'Vote for Trump' Sign
Villa filed a lawsuit against Constantino, seeking to force him to remove the sign. Constantino countersued, claiming that the city's zoning code violated his First Amendment rights to free speech.
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Mae D'Agostino ruled in favor of Constantino, finding that the city's zoning code was content-based and unconstitutional. D'Agostino vacated the order to cover the sign, allowing it to remain on display until after the November election.
Sticker Mule CEO Celebrates 'Epic Win for Free Speech' After Court Upholds 'Vote for Trump' Sign
Villa expressed disappointment with the judge's decision and said he would continue to pursue legal options to have the sign removed. "This is a clear case of the mayor overstepping his authority," Constantino said. "He's trying to silence free speech and suppress the voices of those who support President Trump."
Supporters of the sign say it is a symbol of free speech and political activism, while opponents view it as an eyesore that violates the city's aesthetic standards. The case has garnered national attention and sparked a debate about the limits of political expression.
