New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani fired back at President Donald Trump on Friday after the president criticized his luxury property tax plan, defending his effort to raise half a billion dollars annually by targeting wealthy non-residents who own expensive secondary homes in the city.
Trump Criticizes Mayor’s Tax Agenda
During a Thursday roundtable discussion in Las Vegas, President Trump told attendees that while Mamdani is a “nice guy” who calls him frequently, his policies are “no good.” Earlier that same day, Trump posted on social media that Mayor Mamdani was “destroying New York.” The sharp criticism came one day after Mamdani and New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new tax on luxury properties worth more than five million dollars that are owned by people who do not live in the city full-time.
Mayor Defends Luxury Property Tax
Mamdani responded to the president’s criticism by citing overwhelming public support for his proposal. The mayor stated that 93 percent of New Yorkers back the tax on non-city residents who purchase luxury properties. He emphasized that the tax will generate half a billion dollars every year to fund essential city services including free child care, cleaner streets, and safer neighborhoods. “The president and I both want this city to succeed. This is how you do it,” Mamdani declared during his Friday response.
Tax Targets Wealthy Second Homes
The controversial tax specifically targets wealthy individuals who own secondary residences in New York City valued at more than five million dollars. Mayor Mamdani made clear to both President Trump and the public that he remains deeply supportive of taxing the rich, stating that taxing non-resident secondary homes worth more than five million dollars falls directly within that policy goal. The proposal represents a significant shift in how New York City plans to generate revenue for municipal services while placing the burden on wealthy property owners rather than city residents.
