Dear New Yorkers,
Last Tuesday, Donald Trump was elected to serve as the 47th President of the U.S. Even with a week’s perspective, it still hits me like a punch in the gut. I believe that Trump’s presidency will be a catastrophe for our country.
In the days ahead, we will need to reckon honestly with the outcome, and stay humble where that challenges our prior assumptions and hopes. Voters, including many here in NYC, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the cost-of-living and a sense of disorder. We have urgent work to do to deliver a safer, more affordable, more livable, and better run city for all New Yorkers.
At the same time, we must prepare to protect our city and the New Yorkers who will face the brunt of Trump’s cruel policies. That’s why our Spotlight this month assesses the risks posed by the Trump Administration to New York City’s budget, economy, infrastructure, and people.
The goal is to provide a clear-eyed view of the risks and threats posed by the Trump Administration, based on his campaign, Project 2025, and his first term. If Trump follows through on his plans, New York stands to lose billions of dollars for infrastructure, housing, schools, and healthcare. We would likely face a new round of inflation. And vulnerable New Yorkers – immigrants, LGBTQ, and those who need reproductive healthcare – will face grave threats.
In some areas, we can take action now: Governor Hochul and the MTA need to move immediately to implement congestion pricing, or we’re going to lose $15 billion that we need to invest in modernizing our subway, that we’ll never get back.
In other areas, there may be room to form unusual coalitions: many of President Biden’s infrastructure and climate investments are in red states, so we may be able to work with Republicans to save key parts of those programs.
And in some cases, we must prepare to stand up to bullying and authoritarianism: to stand against the mass deportation of families who have committed no crimes, who are working hard building and cleaning homes, making and delivering food, caring for kids and elders.
New Yorkers will have widely varying perspectives on these challenges, befitting the diversity of our city, and reflecting a deeply divided country. What the Comptroller’s office can offer is a clear-eyed view of the risks and threats, to help inform our work together to protect New York City, its people, and our shared future to the greatest extent possible.
