Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he will impose steep tariffs on New Yorkers moving to his state after Election Day.
Abbott made the statement the day before New Yorkers went to the polls in the high-stakes mayoral contest between Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani’s candidacy has drawn national attention for its left-wing platform and broad ambitions.
“After the polls close tomorrow night, I will impose a 100% tariff on anyone moving to Texas from NYC,” Abbott posted on X.
While the pronouncement is astonishing, it is unlikely to survive constitutional scrutiny because tariffs and interstate commerce fall under federal authority, not the states.
For years, Governor Abbott has positioned his state as a red-state “haven” for businesses and families fleeing states with high taxes, heavy regulation and left-wing urban policies—from crime to fiscal instability. He has frequently contrasted Texas’ business-friendly climate with what he describes as the declining condition of cities like New York.
On the same day, President Donald Trump (R) weighed in on the New York race in his typical blunt fashion — stating he would likely halt federal funds to New York City “aside from the minimum required” if Mamdani wins.
“It can only get worse with a communist at the helm, and I don’t want to send, as president, good money after bad,” he wrote on Truth Social.
“It is my obligation to run the nation, and it is my strong conviction that New York City will be a complete and total economic and social disaster should Mamdani win.”
“He was nothing as an assemblyman, ranked at the bottom of the class, and as mayor of, potentially, again, the greatest city in the world, HE HAS NO CHANCE to bring it back to its former glory!”
“It can only get worse with a communist at the helm, and I don’t want to send, as president, good money after bad,” he wrote on Truth Social. “It is my obligation to run the nation, and it is my strong conviction that New York City will be a complete and total economic and social disaster should Mamdani win.”
New York City socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani cruised to victory on Tuesday night, defying the laundry list of critics who railed against him over several high-profile, controversial stances and statements throughout his campaign.
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Who Is Writing this Column or What Ever This Is?? FORMER President Trump & Obviously No One Here Can Spell….WOW! “Feeling” To Texas?? Seriously People, Who’s RUNNING This?? Site?? & So-Called..Written Spread here?? I Can Just Imagine…
People have become too lazy to proofread!
You made that mess you lay in it.
EXACTLY!!! WHY ARE THEY SURPRISED HE WILL LEAD NEW YORK TO FINANCIAL RUIN??? NOW THAT HE IS “NOW” YOUR MAYOR, HE SHOWING HIS TRUE INTENTIONS and YOU DESERVE EVERY EVIL HE WILL FORCE UPON YOU WHICH YOU SO RICHLY DESERVE!!!
INDEED!!!!!!!
“Governor Threatens Financial Penalty For New Yorkers Feeling To Texas.” Doesn’t anyone proofread anymore?
HOW CAN HE DO THAT??????
I’m confused. Why is Abbott trying to penalize people fleeing NY when he “has positioned his state as a red-state “haven” for businesses and families fleeing states with high taxes, heavy regulation and left-wing urban policies—from crime to fiscal instability.” Those are exactly the reasons they would be coming to TX! I’d think he’d be eager for more tax payers and businesses.