A heated political confrontation on a New York City subway has gone viral after Alberta Testanero, a 55-year-old creative director with ties to several luxury fashion brands, was caught on video berating a man wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat—only to fall face-first while attempting to grab it.
The incident occurred on a northbound 6 train around 11:30 p.m. on March 19. Testanero, a dual Italian-American citizen and longtime branding specialist, was seen in the video confronting the Trump supporter, calling him “uneducated” and “racist.” The man responded calmly, identifying himself as highly educated, which only escalated the exchange.
As the man exited the train at the 28th Street station, Testanero lunged toward him in an apparent attempt to snatch the red MAGA hat. She stumbled and fell onto the platform, drawing gasps from nearby passengers. The video, which has since garnered over 5 million views online, has sparked widespread debate and criticism.
Testanero, known in professional circles for her work with high-end brands such as Tiffany & Co., Coach, and Kate Spade, has been described by a former colleague as increasingly politically agitated in recent years. The former coworker noted that Testanero had become “extremely liberal” and frequently engaged in confrontations with those holding opposing views.
Social media reactions to the video were swift and divided. Some users mocked the incident as “instant karma,” while others expressed concern over the growing intensity of political discourse in public spaces. One commenter wrote, “A hat should not provoke this level of rage,” while another called it “a sad reflection of our polarized culture.”
Testanero has not issued a public statement and declined to speak with reporters when approached at her Manhattan residence. Her online profiles continue to highlight her career achievements and creative leadership, though she has remained silent about the viral moment that has now placed her in the national spotlight.