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How Donald Trump's presidency could affect New York City
The policies Trump has proposed would wreak havoc on the city and its people, though Republicans guiding his transition have hewed closely to GOP orthodoxy
Many New Yorkers fear what Donald Trump’s presidency will mean to them. It is our belief that the polarizing rhetoric of his campaign will not give rise to policies that punish the economy and people of our city.
The anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim bluster that brought Trump enthusiastic support outside of major cities is of great concern. Nearly 40% of New York City’s population is foreign-born, and millions more are first- or second-generation Americans. We are a top terrorism target and need the Muslim community’s help in preventing attacks, not a president who motivates ISIS recruits. It is essential that we remain a city where people of any background can feel comfortable and contribute to our economy, not be deported if they report a crime or seek permits to open a business.
Maybe Trump’s talk about kicking out Mexicans or ending “sanctuary cities” was a plan to get elected, not to govern. We hope so. He has proposed 45% tariffs on imports from China and Mexico—which would spark a trade war that would hurt the city’s exporters, financial firms and other businesses without bringing back any factories. He also has endorsed breaking up big banks, several of which are based here.
But the message so far from the Republicans guiding his transition has hewed closely to GOP orthodoxy: Loosen the post-recession financial reforms. That would in fact help the big banks grow, and could be good for New York if not done recklessly.
Trump’s authority is not without limits. He advocated reprising stop-and-frisk policing on a massive scale, a frightening prospect to African-Americans, who comprise one-quarter of New York City. But he lacks the power to do that and, in any case, might have since learned that crime fell before the stop-and-frisk blitz and after it ended.
Trump and the Republicans who will control Congress support expanding firearms access, but New York’s tough gun-control laws will remain.
Any legislation of particular harm to New York, for that matter, such as cuts to Medicaid, food stamps and housing subsidies, figures to be filibustered in the Senate, where Brooklyn’s Charles Schumer will be minority leader. As the nation’s most powerful Democrat, Schumer can help Trump deliver on promises that would benefit the city, such as more infrastructure funding. A New Yorker himself, Trump should champion his hometown’s cause on these and all matters, even though the city didn’t vote for him.
It’s worth noting that of late, Trump has curbed his divisive, inflammatory language and focused his message on fixing Washington—something on which we can all agree. If he works on uniting the country, New York should be all right. — THE EDITORS
A version of this article appears in the November 14, 2016, print issue of Crain's New York Business.
