Officials launch petition to have federal government pay for Trump Tower security, not New Yorkers
City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Council Member Dan Garodnick won’t have New York City shafted with the bill for “White House North.” The pair have launched a petition demanding that the federal government pony up whatever cash is needed to keep Trump Tower secure during the president-elect’s term of office. As 6sqft previously reported, Trump hopes to spend weekends and even some weeknights at the Midtown tower over the next four years, particularly as wife Melania will stay put until son Barron finishes school—and more simply because Trump likes waking up in his own bed. It has been estimated that turning Trump Tower into a 24/7 armed fortress will cost New York City taxpayers $1 million a day, and the total bill over the president-elect’s four-year term could swell beyond $1 billion.
The petition stresses that “The provision of security services for presidents-elect must be the obligation of the federal government”; something that would happen if the family would agree to wholly relocate to Washington D.C.
It also speaks to Trump directly, stating that “While NYPD is both equipped and able to participate in ensuring your and your family’s protection, we must not allow this cost to blow a massive hole in New York City’s budget.” In continues, “Let’s end the suspense: We ask you to commit the necessary federal funds to reimburse New York for all costs of protecting you and your family— both before and after your inauguration as President of the United States of America.”
Mark-Viverito wrote quite scathingly in a separate statement: “Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked the values that represent New York City, while simultaneously drawing upon its resources without appreciation or acknowledgment. His refusal to base transition operations out of the nation’s capital has placed an unprecedented financial and logistical strain on our city and its first responders, and it is simply unsustainable.”
Beyond fortifying Trump Tower, some of the other security to-dos will include protecting neighboring high-rises, providing Barron with an armored vehicle as he moves to and from school, and making sure that Trump’s adult children and grandchildren who live in the city are safe—i.e. they would need 24/7 protection, too.
As of this afternoon, 883 have signed the petition. You can add your signature here.
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