New York City is asking the federal government for nearly $35 million in funds to cover the cost of President-elect Donald Trump's security, Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference Monday.
Trump has spent the majority of his time since winning the 2016 presidential election at his apartment in Trump Tower in midtown Manhattan. The president-elect's New York pad has caused the New York City Police Department to work with the U.S. Secret Service to provide enhanced security measures in one of the busier parts of the city.
Trump's presence at his mid-town skyscraper has caused traffic jams and become a nuisance for commuters and tourists.
This is "truly unusual," de Blasio said Monday..
De Blasio claimed he would send a letter to President Obama on Monday asking for an increase in federal funds to compensate for security costs starting from November 8 through January, 20, inauguration day.
The mayor announced he would plead his case to members of the Obama administration this week.
After Donald Trump's move to Washington, D.C., de Blasio intends to work with the Trump administration to guarantee New York City is reimbursed for the security-related costs to protecting Trump Tower.
De Blasio spoke with Trump's pick for secretary of the Treasury, Steve Mnuchin, regarding the funding issue.