NEW YORK IS poised to recuperate millions of dollars for protecting Donald Trump and his family, which Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio has hailed as a victory for the police.
The money was set aside in a bipartisan deal struck by members of US Congress last Sunday providing $1.163 trillion in overall federal spending through September.
Before his inauguration on 20 January, Trump lived and worked at his Manhattan headquarters Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue. First Lady Melania Trump and the couple’s 11-year-old son still live in Trump Tower.
Congress agreed to allocate $20 million for costs incurred protecting the Trump family from the 8 November election to inauguration day, and $41 million for costs incurred since 20 January, New York officials said.
But while Trump spent the bulk of his time before becoming president in New York, he also stayed at his estate in Florida and his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. As president he has spent numerous weekends in Florida.
The $61 million is earmarked to reimburse local law enforcement wherever the president resides and the $41 million for the period until September 30, 2018.
“We are getting what we are owed,” said de Blasio, a vehement Trump critic. “That’s good news for our city and the hardworking police officers faced with this unprecedented security challenge.”
The city says it spent $24 million protecting Trump Tower and the first family from 8 November to 20 January. Trump moved to Washington on 19 January.
The city estimates it spends $127,000 to $146,000 a day on protecting his family, which includes Trump’s eldest sons Donald Jr. and Eric, who run the family business.
Trump’s second daughter Tiffany, born as a result of his second marriage, has also spent time in New York.
Costs rise to an average of $308,000 a day when the president comes to town. Trump was scheduled to return to New York on 4 May for the first time as head of state to meet Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
The security costs are unpopular in the largely Democratic-voting city. More than half a million people have signed a petition demanding the first lady move into the White House or foot the expense of living in New York herself.
Melania and son Barron are expected to move into the White House sometime after the current school year ends next month.
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