Velazquez, NYC Members: Do Not Leave City Taxpayers on Hook for Trump Tower

Washington, DC –Six Members of the New York City delegation today wrote to Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) and Mayor Bill De Blasio (D-NY) asking the State and City refuse to pay for enhanced security at Trump Tower once President-Elect Trump is inaugurated.

In their letter, which was authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the lawmakers argue that if the First Family chooses to maintain two full time residences, then the President-Elect should pay for security costs.

"While I understand the absolute importance of keeping the First Family safe, New Yorkers shouldn't be footing the bill for President-Elect Trump to maintain two permanent residences," said Velázquez. "If the incoming First Family were to relocate to the White House with the President-Elect, this problem could be solved, but, if that's not possible, then Mr. Trump needs to pick up the tab."

In addition to Velázquez, the letter was also signed by New York City Reps. Meng, Nadler, Clarke, Serrano and Jeffries. The full text of the letter is below.

The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

The Honorable Bill de Blasio
Mayor of New York City
City Hall
New York, NY 10007

Dear Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio:

We are writing to express concerns about taxpayer costs of providing security at Trump Tower. At least one publicly reported estimate suggests it is costing New York City as much as $1 million per day to provide adequate security for President-Elect Trump and his family.

Our concerns are compounded by news that members of the President Elect's immediate family have stated they plan to remain in New York City for the foreseeable future even after President-Elect Trump relocates to the White House. This decision to maintain multiple permanent residences will mean additional expense for the City and taxpayer dollars being spent on ongoing security enhancements.

These local resources could be spent more wisely on countless other investments such as: expanding the stock of affordable housing in New York; addressing looming transportation problems like the upcoming closures of the L and M trains; providing emergency shelter for the city's burgeoning homeless population; investing in greater climate resiliency for waterfront neighborhoods; hiring additional teachers in public schools; or simply making the city safer for ordinary citizens by deploying police officers into areas with elevated crime rates.

Beyond the cost to taxpayers, enhanced security at Fifth Avenue between East 55th and East 57th streets is generating traffic congestion. Not only does this inconvenience City residents and visitors, but it likely incurs a negative economic impact on local retailers and other businesses that rely on foot traffic for customers. With both New Yorkers and tourists avoiding the area, these businesses will suffer a loss of revenue.

As you are aware, the President-Elect and his family could receive excellent security by choosing to reside at the White House. This solution would keep the President-Elect and his family safe, while minimizing federal and local taxpayer expense.

To be clear: we understand the absolute importance of keeping the incoming First Family safe. However, municipal or state resources should not be subsidizing the President Elect's decision to maintain multiple permanent residences.

For all these reasons, we respectfully request that New York City and the State refuse to pay additional security costs associated with maintaining a second permanent residence at Trump Tower once the President-Elect is inaugurated. Should the President-Elect choose to maintain two permanent residences for his family, it is reasonable to request he reimburse the city and the state for all additional security expenses from his own significant personal financial resources.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your timely responses.

Sincerely,

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