Trump Slams NYC Mayor Mamdani Over New 'Pied-à-Terre' Tax

The president threatens to withhold federal funds from the city over the mayor's tax targeting the wealthy.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of a lone skyscraper in downtown New York City, its windows glowing warmly in the afternoon sun as deep shadows stretch across the street below.The ongoing feud between President Trump and Mayor Mamdani casts a long shadow over the future of New York City's finances and policies.NYC Today

President Donald Trump has lashed out at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over the mayor's newly announced 'pied-à-terre' tax, a surcharge on high-end second homes in the city. Trump claimed the tax policy is 'DESTROYING New York' and threatened to withhold federal funding from the city if the 'Communist Candidate' Mamdani doesn't change course. The two political rivals have clashed on numerous policies, but have also found ways to work together in the past despite their ideological differences.

Why it matters

The feud between Trump and Mamdani highlights the ongoing tensions between the president and the progressive mayor over issues like taxation and the role of government. It also raises questions about the future of federal funding for New York City, which relies heavily on those resources to operate.

The details

Mamdani's new pied-à-terre tax will levy an annual surcharge on one to three family homes, condos and co-ops valued above $5 million when the owners have a separate primary residence outside of New York City. Trump took to Truth Social to blast the tax, calling it part of 'TAX, TAX, TAX Policies' that are 'SO WRONG' and will cause people to flee the city. The president has previously threatened to withhold federal funds from NYC if Mamdani, a democratic socialist, won the mayoral election.

  • On April 17, 2026, President Trump posted his criticism of Mamdani's new tax on Truth Social.
  • Prior to Mamdani's election, Trump endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and said he would withhold federal funds if the 'Communist Candidate' Mamdani won.

The players

President Donald Trump

The current president of the United States, who has frequently clashed with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over policy issues.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani

The 34-year-old democratic socialist mayor of New York City, who recently announced a new 'pied-à-terre' tax that has drawn the ire of President Trump.

Gov. Kathy Hochul

The governor of New York state, who unveiled the new pied-à-terre tax alongside Mayor Mamdani.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Sadly, Mayor Mamdani is DESTROYING New York! It has no chance! The United States of America should not contribute to its failure.”

— President Donald Trump

“We've had a number of meetings now in the Oval Office, and we are honest, direct about the fact that we have many disagreements. There is one place of agreement that we have, which is that we both love New York City. And that's, I think, something that is at the heart of every conversation we have is how can we make this city better?”

— Mayor Zohran Mamdani

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.