New York Mayor asks for $620k a day to protect Donald Trump
New York City is asking for up to $47 million to protect Donald Trump in his Manhattan skyscraper before the President-elect is sworn in next year.
In a situation described by New York Mayor Bill de Blasio as “truly unusual”, the city is asking for $627,000 per day to protect the Republican inside his Trump Tower apartment on Fifth Avenue.
Given Trump remains holed up inside his Fifth Avenue complex until he is sworn in as president, police and Secret Service are working overtime to protect the tower and Mr Trump's high-profile guests, causing traffic jams and commuter frustration.
An armed guard out the front of Trump Tower. Source: AAP
The Trump motorcade leaves the bustling Fifth Avenue complex. Source: AAP
"This is a highly-trafficked, dense urban environment, and one that presents an unprecedented and unique target for potential terrorist activity," de Blasio wrote in letters to Congressional leaders and President Barack Obama.
"No other president in modern history has had his primary residence located in such a densely-populated neighbourhood."
Donald Trump and wife Melania. Source: AAP
Mr de Blasio has asked for federal funds to pay for security costs from the November 8 election through to January 20, when Trump takes the oath of office in Washington to become the 45th US president.
The 75-day period puts the daily price tag for the New York Police Department at about $US467,000 (AUD$627,000).
The figure is about half the $US1 million daily tab previously estimated by New York media and cited in a petition by City Council members to Trump last week.
A sniffer dog and armed officers outside the Trump Tower. Source: AAP
The 58-storey Trump Tower is close to several high-end shopping destinations, including Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany's and Louis Vuitton, and tourist attractions such as Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art.
De Blasio said that Congress has reimbursed New York in previous years for costs related to the protection of world leaders, including foreign dignitaries, and major events such as the 2004 Republican National Convention.
An armed guard inside Trump Tower. Suorce: AAP
The city would continue to seek appropriate reimbursement from the Trump administration after his inauguration, de Blasio said.
Trump's wife Melania and young son plan to remain in New York for the rest of the school year, and Trump is expected to return frequently even after moving to the White House.
