New York City socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing a significant backlash on social media following his remarks celebrating the state's new pied-à-terre tax, which targets high-value second homes.
Mamdani posted on X, formerly Twitter, "If you have a second home in New York City worth more than $5 million, check your mailbox when you’re back in the five boroughs — because you’ve got mail." He was referring to the tax on specific second properties, supported by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, which is set to take effect soon. "Today, we sent notification letters to property owners, letting them know that our new pied-à-terre tax is coming soon," Mamdani stated. "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."
As of Friday morning, Mamdani's post had garnered over 10 million views. Conservatives on social media quickly condemned the mayor, with some warning that the new tax plan could accelerate the departure of wealthy New Yorkers from the city. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah criticized the mayor's approach, posting on X, "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." Republican Sen. Ashley Moody of Florida commented, "Socialism – Florida’s best real estate agent."
GOP strategist and attorney Mehek Cooke suggested that owners are already inquiring about selling properties. "NYC’s pied-à-terre tax hasn’t even started and brokers already say owners are calling to sell," Cooke posted. "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 "incitement" and a "confiscatory tax targeted at a select few." New York City Republican Councilwoman Vickie Paladino questioned the potential impact on city services, asking, "What will the excuse be when literally nothing improves after all these tax increases?"
The pied-à-terre tax, proposed by Mamdani and Hochul in April, targets luxury second homes valued at $5 million or more. The annual surcharge is projected to generate approximately $500 million annually from affluent out-of-state property owners. Mamdani has stated that revenue from the tax is intended to fund initiatives such as free childcare, cleaner streets, and safer neighborhoods. Critics, including billionaire Ken Griffin, have expressed concerns that the tax will prompt wealthy individuals to leave New York, taking jobs and investments with them.