New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing significant backlash on social media for his public endorsement of the state's new pied-à-terre tax, a levy on luxury second homes. The tax, which targets properties valued at over $5 million, is set to take effect soon.
Mamdani posted on X, formerly Twitter, "If you have a second home in New York City worth more than $5M, check your mailbox when you’re back in the five boroughs — because you've got mail." He further elaborated, "Today, we sent notification letters to property owners, letting them know that our new pied-à-terre tax is coming soon. The best city in the world deserves the best parks, libraries, and schools in the world. That's only possible when we all pay our fair share."
The post, which garnered over 10 million views, drew sharp criticism from conservative figures. Senator Mike Lee of Utah posted, "Never elect a politician who: (1) sees your money as his slush fund, (2) loves Karl Marx, or (3) uses French words like ‘pied-à-terre’ to disguise new, confiscatory taxes he wants to impose to redistribute wealth." Florida Senator Ashley Moody echoed the sentiment, tweeting, "Socialism - Florida’s best real estate agent."
Republican strategist Mehek Cooke suggested the tax would harm city workers, stating, "NYC’s pied-à-terre tax hasn’t even started and brokers already say owners are calling to sell. Empty units don’t tip [doormen] or pay supers. You’re not taxing the rich. You’re firing the working class that depended on them."
Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton called the tax "confiscatory" and targeted at a "select few." New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino questioned the effectiveness of tax increases, asking, "What will the excuse be when literally nothing improves after all these tax increases?"
Manhattan Institute fellow Rafael Mangual criticized Mamdani's statement on "fair share," asserting that the mayor "produces nothing, and is concentrating the burdens on others—others who’ve contributed exponentially more to the city in both taxes and charitable contributions than he could possibly hope to contribute in 10 lifetimes."
In April, Mamdani and New York Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled the legislative proposal targeting luxury second homes. The annual surcharge is anticipated to generate approximately $500 million, which Mamdani has stated would fund initiatives such as free childcare, cleaner streets, and safer neighborhoods.
Critics, including Citadel CEO Ken Griffin and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, have voiced concerns that the tax could lead to an exodus of wealthy New Yorkers, taking jobs and investments with them. Griffin's own luxury New York City home was featured in a video by Mamdani announcing the tax.