When a suspicious package was found in Trump Tower on Tuesday— which turned out to be a bag of toys —the NYPD sprang into action to protect those inside the building, including President-elect Donald Trump’s camp. After Sean Spicer, incoming press secretary for the Trump administraion, thanked the NYPD, Eric Phillips, a spokesman for Mayor Bill de Blasio, quipped on Twitter that the city would send Trump a bill for the evacuation.
Back to work here at Trump Tower after a false alarm. Thanks NYPD
— Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) December 27, 2016
No problem. We’ll send you the bill. https://t.co/mxbUqzgHds
— Eric Phillips (@EricFPhillips) December 27, 2016
De Blasio has been after the federal government to help alleviate the financial stress placed on New York while protecting Trump – to the tune of $1 million per day – so the joke didn’t just come out of nowhere.
Eric Phillips- Spokesperson for @NYCMayor @BilldeBlasio– you are an embarrassment to the @NYCMayorsOffice & the amazing #NYPD. https://t.co/kPX9go1gl4
— Dan Scavino Jr. (@DanScavino) December 28, 2016
That’s not very nice, Dan. But about that bill…work on it with us? https://t.co/mrN6vio9tp https://t.co/42znPvj7m2
— Eric Phillips (@EricFPhillips) December 28, 2016
But, some people thought the joke didn’t land.
I find the feedback I get on Twitter very helpful. pic.twitter.com/pogzyDR1TV
— Eric Phillips (@EricFPhillips) December 28, 2016
New York asked the federal government for $35 million to help cover the costs of protecting the president-elect and his family. U.S. House Republicans set aside $7 million. On Tuesday, Phillips reminded the public that incidents like the Trump Tower evacuation will be a “common occurance.”
Trump Tower clear of suspicious package. Will be a common occurrence. Important everyone stays calm & listens to officers.
— Eric Phillips (@EricFPhillips) December 27, 2016
don jr left his work briefcase in the lobby again https://t.co/XHRKi6Keq6
— Ashley Feinberg (@ashleyfeinberg) December 27, 2016
