Trump in Philly Tuesday afternoon: Protests planned, traffic mess possible
President Trump is scheduled to speak to a national convention of electrical contractors Tuesday at the Convention Center in Philadelphia. Expect afternoon traffic snarls.
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Gridlock could be coming to Philadelphia on Tuesday afternoon.
President Trump is scheduled to give a speech to thousands of electrical contractors during their annual conference at the Convention Center, discussing workforce development and small-business growth, according to the White House.
As a result, motorists are advised to expect heavy congestion in Center City from early afternoon up until the beginning of rush hour. Sudden road closures will take place as the presidential motorcade wends its way to and from Philadelphia International Airport.
The precise timing of the president's arrival is not made public in advance.
Several hundred liberal activists were planning to protest in the streets near the Convention Center. Refuse Fascism Philly is planning a protest beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Broad and Arch Streets while Philly Socialists' demonstration is planned at noon at 12th and Market Streets. Nearly 800 people are "going" to the rallies according to the Facebook pages set up for both events.
The visit to the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) gathering is official business, but few would be surprised if the president touches on the upcoming midterm elections and other political topics in his remarks.
Trump encouraged U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, a Hazleton Republican, to challenge U.S. Sen. Bob Casey's bid for a third term. Casey, a Scranton Democrat, holds a 17-point lead over Barletta among likely voters, according to a Franklin and Marshall College Poll released last week.