MIDTOWN — If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Despite a partial payment for earlier requests, the New York Congressional delegation tried its hand at convincing the federal government to reimburse the city the $25.7 million NYC taxpayers have spent protecting President Donald Trump and his family at Trump Tower from the election through Inauguration Day.
“The scale of the security needs to secure Trump Tower in the heart of Midtown Manhattan is unprecedented, and the NYPD has done an outstanding job, in cooperation with the Secret Service, of devoting the personnel and resources necessary to protect and properly secure the area,” Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan) and Congressman Dan Donovan (R-Staten Island), along with 14 other lawmakers, wrote in the letter dated March 7.
So far the city has received just $7 million in reimbursements, according to Maloney.
The representatives went on to point out that both Chicago and Kennebunkport, Maine, were reimbursed for protecting former presidents Barack Obama and George H.W. Bush.
“Based on this past precedent, we believe it is only fair that New York City be fully compensated for providing security for President-elect Trump and the future first family. New York City should not have to wait any longer for the reimbursement it is due.”
While President Trump resides in Washington D.C., First Lady Melania Trump and their young son, Barron, are still living in the tower while Barron attends school in the city.
“For every day President Trump is in New York City, it costs the NYPD $308,000. When President Trump is not in New York City, it costs the NYPD up to $146,000 per day. The FDNY estimates that its security costs will total $4.5 million per year.”
The letter was addressed to the House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Rodney P. Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Nita Lowey, and the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science Chairman John Culberson and Ranking Member José E. Serrano.
Frelinghuysen's office did not return a request for comment.
