Trump's Hush Money Trial Boosts Business for Professional Line-Standers

  The hottest ticket in New York City isn’t a Broadway show or a celebrity event, but the hush money trial of former President Donald Trump. The demand to witness the trial has created a lucrative opportunity for professional line-standers, with some attendees willing to pay significant sums to secure a spot in the courtroom.

Paige Singh, visiting from California with her husband on business, used a professional line-stander as a Mother's Day gift to see Trump on trial. "My husband thinks it’s crazy," Singh said, noting that her children find the situation amusing. Despite spending hundreds of dollars to secure her place in line, Singh felt it was worth it to witness the historic trial.

The trial has generated unprecedented demand for line-standing services. Robert Samuels, who runs Same Ole Line Dudes, a professional line-standing company, has seen a significant increase in business. Samuels doubled his prices and expanded his team from 26 to 32 line-standers to keep up with the demand.

Admission to the courtroom is free, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. On Wednesday, the first person in line paid $1,800 for their spot, while another person was offering their place for $450. "This is a unique experience that you can only see here," Samuels remarked.

Professional line-standers are typically employed for events like restaurant openings, book signings, and product launches. However, the high-profile nature of Trump's trial has drawn a broader range of clients, including members of the general public with no direct stake in the proceedings.

In Washington, D.C., line-standers are a common sight outside congressional hearings and major court cases, hired by lobbyists and lawyers who need to secure seats. These professionals charge about $60 an hour, with a three-hour minimum.

The Trump trial has seen an influx of people hiring line-standers. One political enthusiast paid $750 for an overnight spot after finding the line already full at 4 a.m. the previous day. Several line-standers on TaskRabbit specifically advertise their services for the Trump trial, with many posting photos from the courthouse.

Samuels has handled other high-profile trials, but none have attracted the general public like Trump’s trial. The demand has led him to increase his rates to $50 an hour due to heightened security risks. Despite occasional scuffles and disputes among line-standers and civilians, Samuels maintains a professional approach and discourages unauthorized line-standing.

The practice of paid line-standing has been controversial, particularly in Washington, where it is seen as giving the wealthy an unfair advantage. Efforts to ban the practice, such as the "Get in Line Act" proposed by former Senator Claire McCaskill, have failed to gain traction.

Outside the Manhattan courthouse, some individuals choose to brave the elements themselves. Jim Neely, a 70-year-old retiree from Pennsylvania, waited in line overnight to witness the trial. Despite the rain and discomfort, Neely found the experience worthwhile and plans to return for the trial's closing arguments.

As the trial continues, the demand for professional line-standing services remains high, underscoring the public's keen interest in this historic legal proceeding.