NYC asks for $35 million in security reimbursement for Trump
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is asking the federal government to reimburse the city $35 million to cover the security needed to protect President-elect Donald Trump at Trump Tower between Election Day and Inauguration Day in January.
In a letter to President Obama and Congress, de Blasio and New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said that after the election, the New York Police Department (NYPD) implemented a comprehensive 24-hour security protocol.
“However the expense associated with protecting him in the midst of a dense city that is home to 8.55 million residents is logistically complex and requires a significant commitment of resources,” the letter said.
“Accordingly, New York City respectfully requests that the Administration assist our efforts seeking reimbursement for funds that have been expended to date and will be spent on or before the inauguration.”
During a press conference Monday, de Blasio said he wants to nail down the reimbursements for the period between Nov. 8 and Jan. 20 and he said it’s the Obama administration’s responsibility to pay the city back.
Mr. Trump has been living at Trump Tower since his election victory, which has been the main hub for his transition team’s activities.
Security to protect Trump Tower costs about $500,000 a day, according to CBS New York.