Howard Lorber, executive chairman of Nathan’s Famous Inc., and said to be one of Donald Trump’s best friends, hosted a fundraiser for the president at his home in the Hamptons. As a result, social media users are threatening to boycott the hot dog brand.
The luncheon on Friday, with about 60 attendees, benefited Trump Victory, a joint committee for Trump’s 2020 campaign, and the Republican National Committee. Lorber has served as an economic advisor to Trump’s campaign.
He has served as Nathan’s board’s executive chairman since January 2007, and a director since 1987. Nathan’s CEO and director, Eric Gatoff, also sits on the all white and male board. In addition, Gatoff leads an all white and male team of executives.
Lorber, who is the owner of the Douglas Elliman real estate brokerage, brought Trump to Moscow in 1996 as they pursued the potential of a residential development and tower in Russia’s capital, according to the Daily Mail.
As the news of Lorber’s fundraiser spread, many Twitter users opposed to Trump and his policies are saying they’re ditching the hot dogs:
As a New Yorker, I grew up eating Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs. As an adult, I don’t eat beef but my family does, we always keep Nathan’s Hot Dogs in our home for our boys. Hate to learn that #HowardLorber and #NathansHotdogInc are #Trump Supporters.I am returning my dogs to the store
Cynthia Dixon (@Cynassists) August 16, 2018
#BoycottNathans #BoycottNathansHotDogs I rarely ask for a RT, but I am on this one… Time to hit the owner of Nathan’s where it hurts. Let’s get this boycott trending ! #hotdogs #NathansHotdogs #FlipItBlue #ImpeachTrump #Resist #DumpTrump https://t.co/Ssbut9NPPD
Robb & Lee (@MYGREYGARDENS) August 16, 2018
NATHAN’S SUPPORTS TRUMP REGIME #hotdogs #Trump https://t.co/6IN4Xpjhw6
Jeff Gauvin (@JeffersonObama) August 20, 2018
Nathan’s Famous hot dog exec Howard Lorber to host Trump fundraiser in the Hamptons.
I’m a vegetarian but that won’t stop me from telling EVERYONE I know, including my 50k followers, to never buy Nathan’s Hotdogs ever again! @originalnathans
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Cathleen Burke (@ItsMeCathi) August 20, 2018
