President Donald Trump is heading to Long Island on Friday to tout what the White House says is a decline in crime and campaign for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's bid for governor.
Trump is scheduled to speak at the Nassau County Police Training Center in Garden City, where he is expected to highlight crime statistics and law enforcement during an appearance that also will feature federal officials.
The visit comes as Blakeman, a Republican, campaigns against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Why is Trump visiting Nassau County?
Trump is expected to highlight what the White House describes as a nationwide decline in crime, including a drop in murders.
Newly appointed U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel are expected
to join Trump and present results from the FBI's 2025 crime report.
The White House has described the report as showing the largest-ever decline in crime and murder nationwide.
"President Trump promised to make America safe again and the data proves he has done just that," the White House said in a statement ahead of the visit.
Trump also is expected to campaign for Blakeman, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor.
When and where will Trump speak?
Trump is scheduled to speak at the Nassau County Police Training Center in Garden City at 3 p.m. Friday.
Gates for ticket holders are expected to open at noon.
The new training facility, located in Garden City, includes a training village designed to provide police officers with realistic settings for training exercises.
What to expect for traffic in Nassau County
Nassau County police are warning residents and commuters to expect road closures, delays and increased traffic Friday.
The disruptions could affect Garden City, Mineola, East Meadow, Uniondale, Hempstead and surrounding communities.
Blakeman said Thursday that specific road closures would not be announced because of security concerns.
The heaviest traffic impacts are expected between 1 and 5 p.m., particularly in commercial areas of the county.
Drivers should allow extra time and consider avoiding the area around the police training center if possible.
Are protests planned?
Protests opposing Trump's visit are expected Friday morning near the police training center, including in the area of Perimeter Road and Endo Drive in Uniondale.
Several Democrats running for office on Long Island are expected to attend the demonstrations.
Why is Blakeman running for governor?
Blakeman, a Republican, is seeking to challenge Hochul in the 2026 New York governor's race.
Trump's appearance gives Blakeman a high-profile opportunity to campaign alongside the president while emphasizing crime and public safety.
Hochul, a Democrat, is seeking another term as governor.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Trump visits Long Island today with Bruce Blakeman: What to know
