Protecting Trump costs New York $1 million a day

(Baonghean.vn) - According to information provided by three New York officials to CNN, the city has to spend more than 1 million USD per day to protect President-elect Donald Trump and his family.

Security will continue to be tight outside Donald Trump's home at least until he takes office. Photo: AP.

And even when Mr. Trump moves into the White House, that spending will likely drop significantly. That’s because Melania Trump and their 10-year-old son, Barron, plan to continue living in Trump Tower in midtown Manhattan, at least through the end of the school year. And Donald Trump has made it clear that he plans to return home frequently, especially while his wife and children are still there.

In addition to the above expenses, there is also the payment for the police force assigned to protect Trump's adult children and grandchildren. John Miller, the NYPD's deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism, told WCBS on November 21 that the above members of the Trump family are also receiving Secret Service protection and all are living in New York.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a press conference last weekend: “The number one thing that requires attention here is safety and security. We have that thanks to the president-elect, his family and his team.”

However, Bill de Blasio added that the city will need support in terms of costs, especially overtime pay for police: “This is a big task, requiring a lot of resources. We will soon begin discussions with the federal government about reimbursing the NYPD for some of the costs incurred.”

While primary responsibility for protecting the president, or president-elect, of the United States lies with the Secret Service, local law enforcement agencies also have supporting responsibilities, particularly in controlling public movements.

Every US president needs protection from local law enforcement when they return home during their term. But protecting Trump in New York City is particularly expensive, because he lives in the most densely populated area of ​​the nation's largest city.

“We have never had a situation where a president of the United States will be here on a permanent basis,” Mr. de Blasio said. “The details of Mr. Trump’s plans are unclear, but we know that in the next 65 days (until his inauguration), he will be here on a permanent basis. The NYPD is facing a challenge, and so is the city of New York, there is no doubt about that.”

The city has previously requested and received reimbursement for the cost of protecting world leaders, such as when heads of state visit the United States. Records show New York received $26 million in reimbursements for such costs in the 12 months ending June 30, or about $500,000 a week. But de Blasio said the city’s need for constant, ongoing protection for Trump was unprecedented.

Police had to erect a barrier around Trump Tower at 56th Street and 5th Avenue, right in the middle of the city. While 56th Street was essentially closed to traffic, 5th Avenue remained open, but traffic through the major thoroughfare was significantly affected.

And when Trump travels through the city, police need to close the necessary routes. For example, last weekend the Lincoln Tunnel was closed during rush hour as Trump traveled to New Jersey.

Thu Giang

(According to CNN)