A false bomb scare at Trump Tower on Tuesday triggered a heated exchange on Twitter between aides to New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and President-elect Donald Trump. The building was evacuated and streets closed after a suspicious package was found in the lobby, later determined to be a backpack full of children's toys.
Sean Spicer, Trump's incoming press secretary, tweeted thanks to the New York Police Department for their response. Eric Phillips, de Blasio's press secretary, replied with a curt 'No problem.' Dan Scavino Jr., Trump's social media director, then called Phillips an 'embarrassment' to the mayor's office and the NYPD. Phillips responded with a link to a story about $7 million set aside by Republicans to help New York pay for Trump's security.
The security costs for protecting Trump in New York are significant, with officials estimating over $1 million per day when he is in the city. Mayor de Blasio has argued that New York should receive $35 million for protecting Trump Tower, which has faced multiple security alerts. The House has so far made $7 million available.
Trump was not at the tower during the evacuation, having spent the holiday at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. He plans to visit New York regularly, especially while his wife Melania and son Barron remain in the city until Barron finishes the school year.
