A group of Donald Trump supporters living in Manhattan, many of whom are immigrants or belong to minority communities, say they have kept their political allegiance largely private out of concern for social and professional retaliation, Times UK reported. The informal network, which includes businesspeople, teachers, comedians, and former Rockettes, meets in secret at a bar inside Trump Tower called “45” and communicates via a private group chat named “45-47.”
Rebekah Koffler, a former Defense Intelligence Agency analyst from Russia, told Times UK that she has long valued free speech and support for leaders who prioritize U.S. security. Despite living in a predominantly Democratic city, she has formed connections with other like-minded individuals who feel silenced. Many of the supporters described experiences of harassment or social exclusion for openly backing Trump, with some even using pseudonyms to protect their identities.
Members of the group, who range in age from their forties to seventies, emphasized that their support for Trump is diverse and includes people of different religions, professions, and ethnic backgrounds. Among them is Sophie Sassoon, a British-born Jewish entrepreneur who founded the “Maga Mistresses,” a group of pro-Trump women who monitor political events and debates, and Dwight Y, a retired Chinese-American police officer who proudly displays pro-Trump symbols during his weekly softball games.
Incidents of harassment cited in the report include verbal abuse, physical assault, and threats linked to Trump masks or hats worn in public. Comedian Neil Greenfield said he has been physically attacked about 14 times since 2018 for impersonating the president in front of Trump Tower. Despite these challenges, he and others remain committed to their political beliefs, citing Trump’s policies on border security, anti-corruption measures, and national safety as key reasons for their support.
Several members noted that public displays of allegiance can have personal consequences, including affecting employment opportunities, social acceptance, or access to exclusive clubs. Still, the supporters emphasized their right to exercise free speech, with John D., a secular Muslim immigrant from Albania, saying he proudly wears a “TRUMP 2028” hat while asserting his American identity.
Times UK highlighted that this network of Manhattan-based Trump supporters represents a counter-narrative to prevailing assumptions about urban liberal strongholds, demonstrating the persistence of political loyalty in unexpected places despite widespread social pressure.
