Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched a sharp critique of New York City's new pied-à-terre tax on luxury residences, labeling the policy "pure Amateur Hour" and predicting it would "RUIN" the city. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated his intention to investigate whether the federal government could intervene to prevent the tax's negative impact.
"I am looking to see if the Federal Government has any legal right to avert this disaster, before it is too late, for the millions of people who cherish New York and want to see it thrive, as opposed to becoming a filthy, crime ridden, decrepit place of mockery and scorn," Trump wrote. He added that the "dangerous political ‘experiment’ in New York will destroy what was once a great City and State."
The tax, which targets owners of luxury second homes valued at $5 million or more, or $1 million for co-ops and condos, was approved by state lawmakers and signed by Governor Kathy Hochul. Its implementation faced a temporary halt when a Staten Island judge issued a restraining order following a lawsuit that alleged mismanagement by the city. However, the city administration has appealed the order, and the tax remains in effect pending a higher court hearing.