Mamdani responds after billionaire slams NYC mayor's rich tax video
USA Today • • business
Key Points:
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani used billionaire Ken Griffin's $238 million penthouse in a video promoting a new pied-à-terre tax targeting secondary homes valued above $5 million owned by non-residents.
- Citadel COO Gerald Beeson criticized the mayor's use of Griffin as an example, calling it shameful and indicative of political elitism, and hinted that Citadel might reconsider a $6 billion redevelopment project in Midtown NYC.
- Ken Griffin condemned the video as a personal attack and questioned New York's fiscal management, warning against socialist policies that he believes are incompatible with American values.
- Mamdani responded by emphasizing his willingness to work with business leaders, including Griffin, while defending the new tax as necessary to address the city's broken tax system and high poverty rates.
- Mamdani expressed openness to dialogue with Griffin, who is also scheduled to meet with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, indicating ongoing negotiations amid the tax policy debate.
