Abbott Jokes About Imposing a Tariff on New Yorkers
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House, Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appeared to poke fun at New York City politics Monday night amid growing chatter that some New Yorkers might pack up and leave if frontrunner Zohran Mamdani wins Tuesday’s mayoral election.
“After the polls close tomorrow night, I will impose a 100% tariff on anyone moving to Texas from NYC,” Abbott joked on X, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, would become New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor if elected. His progressive platform—calling for expanded affordable housing, universal childcare, and free bus rides—has drawn sharp criticism from conservatives and President Trump alike. Mamdani’s vocal opposition to law enforcement policies and his description of the Israel-Hamas conflict as genocide have further ignited political tensions.
Abbott’s lighthearted remark may reflect a real trend. The New York Post reports that real estate agents in Westchester County and parts of Connecticut are seeing a surge of interest from wealthy New Yorkers preparing to leave the city. “Our open houses are the hottest ticket in town,” one Westchester realtor said. “It’s even crazier than it was during COVID.”
About Post Author
