Full Breakdown
Long Beach Man Defies City Order to Remove Pro-Trump Flags
3/29/2026, 12:47:51 AM
Core Event: Legal Battle Over First Amendment Rights
Michael Wasserman, a Long Island resident, is engaged in a legal dispute with the City of Long Beach regarding the display of pro-Trump flags on his vehicles. The city ordered Wasserman to remove the flags, citing a local ordinance, which he claims infringes upon his First Amendment rights. Wasserman has become a local figure due to his “Trump cars,” which include a Porsche Carrera and a Jeep Wrangler, adorned with various political messages, some containing explicit language.
Background & Context: The Ordinance and Initial Order
In 2021, local officials mandated that Wasserman remove the flags, asserting that they violated a city ordinance prohibiting certain displays within the city limits. In response, Wasserman filed a lawsuit in Brooklyn Federal Court against the city, the chief of police, the city manager, and specific police officers, seeking $25 million in damages. He argues that the order is a violation of his constitutional rights.
Key Figures & Groups: Michael Wasserman
Wasserman, 62, is a former Democrat who switched to the Republican Party in 2004. He has expressed that his legal battle is about principle rather than financial gain, stating, “This was always about what I’m allowed to do within the confines of the law.” He has reported experiencing harassment from neighbors due to his political stance, including vandalism of his vehicles.
Official Statements & Responses
The Long Beach City Council proposed a settlement of $50,000 to Wasserman, which he rejected, stating, “That’s crap.” He is now seeking at least $100,000, which he intends to donate to charity. The city has not publicly commented on the ongoing dispute or Wasserman's allegations of harassment.
Criticism & Opposition: Community Reactions
While Wasserman has faced opposition from some neighbors, he claims that others have privately supported his right to display the flags. He has described the situation as a source of aggravation, stating, “I spent the past several years battling the courts in what I called ‘a f–king waste of time aggravation.’”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Wasserman alleges that he has been subjected to harassment, including vandalism of his vehicles, but the Long Beach Police Department has not confirmed these claims. There is no independent verification of the extent of the harassment he describes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The only enjoyment I got was pissing these people off.” — Michael Wasserman, Long Beach Resident
- “They slashed my tires, broke my windshield and windows of my cars” — Michael Wasserman, detailing alleged harassment
Wasserman's ongoing legal battle highlights the tensions surrounding free speech and political expression in local communities, as he continues to assert his rights against municipal regulations.
