Tent for Qaddafi Visit Dismantled

Libyan Leader Apparently Won't Be Staying at Donald Trump's Estate

(AP)  A tent on Donald Trump's estate in suburban New York City has been dismantled, and Libyan leader Moammar Qaddafi apparently won't be staying there.

The dismantling came Wednesday just after Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano said the Secret Service told him Qaddafi would be coming to Trump's estate.

Spano's office later said the Secret Service reported he would not visit Bedford, after all. But they added that the information was "subject to change."

Leather couches and chairs were uncovered as the tent was taken down and men packed up goods.

The town of Bedford had ordered the dismantling, claiming the tent violated code.

Earlier Wednesday, the Trump Organization said Qaddafi would not be coming to the property and insisted that Trump has not rented property to him. But it said part of the estate "was leased on a short-term basis to Middle Eastern partners, who may or may not have a relationship to Mr. Qaddafi."

Sachs said Trump once proposed an 18-hole golf course on the site. Those plans fell through, and he is now seeking approval for "a high-end residential development" there.

A State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of diplomatic sensitivity and protocol concerns, told the AP that the property was obtained for the duration of this week's United Nations General Assembly. The official said no one would be staying there overnight.

Qaddafi's motorcade arrived at the Libyan Mission to the United Nations in Manhattan, just blocks from U.N. headquarters Tuesday evening. Dozens of police and Secret Service officers blocked off the venue.

Several dozen pro-Qaddafi demonstrators rallied near the office building housing the mission, carrying his portraits and chanting pro-Libyan slogans.

In Bedford, no-parking signs went up near Trump's Seven Springs estate. TV helicopters showed a tent on the Trump property. Police would not comment, and Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan would say only that the agency does not discuss the schedules or logistics of people it's protecting.

As word got out, local officials quickly objected to Qaddafi's anticipated presence. Qaddafi will likely face protests over Scotland's recent release of Libyan Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, who was convicted of the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 which killed 270 people.

Qaddafi had wanted to pitch a tent at Libya's five-acre estate in Englewood, New Jersey, and live and entertain there during the U.N. assembly. But local opposition turned him away.

Later, the Libyan government asked to use Manhattan's Central Park for a tent, but the request was denied.

U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey said Qaddafi had shown a lack of remorse for the bombing and was "unwelcome throughout the New York area."

[JVgirl]

I don't understand how Trump doesn't know who stays at his estates anyway! I think he needs to pay a little less attention to making money and a little more attention to what is going on on his own properties! Apparently he has no idea what goes on there and has no control over them whatsoever!

[presjfk]

There are a lot of idiots on this blog. The US government has forgiven Qaddafi, has normalized relations with Libya. It would have been a kind gesture if only courteous, to allow Qaddafi to stay in his tent in Bedford. The US State department should have shoved the alleged code violation down the throats of the town officials.

[jgg00009]

you are absolutely right. This sets a bad precedent for when obama brings his tent to libya.

[stuart-johns]

by jgg00009 September 23, 2009 11:43 PM EDT

Some of those tents are much nicer than your trailer though.

[stuart-johns]

Tent for Qaddafi Visit Dismantled - GOOD!

That's all the comment he deserves.

[jessue]

The one thing that I notice that is constant with allowing folks to submit comments in all areas is the immaturity that prevails throughout. One can only conclude that the rate of illiteracy and ignoracy runs rampart with those who submit comments. Some do so intentionally and others just don't know any better! I have yet to encounter any sensible discussions within the " Submit A Comment, and can only surmise folks are what they are ! Dumb and Dumber ! SMILE !

[violist47]

Although I agree with you, you do weaken your argument by using the word "ignoracy" - unless you did so intentionally...

[notsouthern]

The Republicon Southern Party proves again that the bitterness my great, great, great Yankee GrandPappy's love for America continues to be a sore spot in all southern ConDumbs lives.

[jgg00009]

I'm sure they think of your great great yankee grandpappy everytime they post.

[bubbadubba]

<<<<Hmmm... funny Obama didn't offer to let Qaddafi pitch his tent on the White House lawn... I would have expected that.>>>>

That's very sad. Nothing else I can say regarding that ridiculous comment about the President of the United States of America.

[jgg00009]

you know, if the president of the US can trash this country in every speech he makes, turnabout is fair play. The world knows this guy is a bag of hot air. If you look at the UK news they are calling this speech the most naive speech he has ever given. The only times anyone applauded was when he dissed isreal and blamed america.

[stuart-johns]

by jgg00009 September 23, 2009 10:10 PM EDT

You are every bit the atypical republican extremist. Is that number after your initials representative of your I.Q.?

[jgg00009]

mommar needs to pack up the tent becasue he's taking some of al gore's employees hiking on the iran/iraq border, and then for a fabulous scenic tour on the north/south korean border.

[stuart-johns]

This is a case of "profits Trumping principles".

[willow013]

Middle Eastern partners, who may or may not have a relationship to Mr. Qaddafi
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Give me a break....The Donald knew exactly who he was dealing with....Just saw a chance to make a quick buck.....

[Ordflyer]

I've always thought that Trump was an @ss but not a traitor.

I guess that giant used car dealership sized US flag he has hoisted over his Palm Beach estate is only for show - terror money is okay for The Donald???