De Blasio Seeks $35 Million In Reimbursement For Trump Security
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Mayor Bill de Blasio is requesting the federal government reimburse the city to cover the cost of providing security around Trump Tower as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.
The tab for the security amounts to about $500,000 a day.
"Last month was the first time we had NYPD taking such a crucial role and huge role in providing security around Trump Tower," de Blasio said Monday, announcing that he is seeking up to $35 million in reimbursement for providing security between Nov. 8 through Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.
De Blasio is sending a letter to President Barack Obama on Monday to formally initiate the reimbursement process.
"We are going to be continuing very aggressively in the course of the next few days, calls and meetings with members of the Obama administration and members of the Congress to nail down the reimbursements," de Blasio said. "This is the time now to really lean into nailing down the reimbursement."
The mayor also spoke with Treasury Secretary-designate Steven Mnuchin, starting the process of dialogue with the incoming administration.
"He fully understood that there is a real important discussion to be had on how we deal with reimbursement issues going forward," Trump said. "I remain optimistic. I think the key individuals in the incoming administration, including the president-elect, understand what a huge commitment the NYPD is making and I have every reason to believe they will be sympathetic and do all they can do."
The mayor was asked if he agreed with some members of the City Council who think Trump should do his transition work elsewhere and locate his family elsewhere, so as to ease the burden on Midtown traffic and businesses.
"He's the president-elect of the United States of America. I didn't vote for him. I don't agree with him. But I don't want to second-guess him as to which location is best," de Blasio said. "If it's a jump ball, I'd say go to that beautiful golf course in New Jersey."
NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill said they are still working with the Secret Service to develop a post-inaugural security plan for First Lady-elect Melania Trump, who will remain in New York City as the couple's son finishes up the school year.
De Blasio's request came three days after an emotionally disturbed woman somehow got through the high-powered security protecting President-elect Trump and his family at Trump Tower last week.
As CBS2 Political Reporter Marcia Kramer reported, people are swarming around Trump Tower despite the tight security, and it is not inconceivable that someone could slip through the security net.
Heavily-armed NYPD-anti-terror officers guard the entrances to Trump Tower, and there are all kinds of security measures put in place by the Secret Service to protect President-elect Trump, wife Melania and son Barron, who live in a $100 million triplex in the 58-story building.
But one look at the chaos – gawkers everywhere, people walking in off the street snapping selfies, tourists with packages – it is easy to see how a 31-year-old emotionally disturbed woman evaded security and got onto the 24th floor.
Police sources said the woman apparently entered through the tenants' entrance at 56th Street and Madison Avenue on Friday night.
Building security reportedly found the woman wandering around the 24th floor around 9:30 p.m. She reportedly told officials she was there to visit an uncle.
The Secret Service said the woman and her bags were screened and it was determined that they contained "no prohibited items."
"At no time did the subject breach established Secret Service perimeters," said a Secret Service representative.
There have been six attempts to get into the White House since President Barack Obama took office. The Friday incident marked the first time anyone has gotten past the security at Trump Tower.
