- The Washington Times - Wednesday, December 28, 2016

The spokesman for New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio ignited a Twitter feud with the incoming Donald Trump administration over who would foot the bill for Tuesday’s evacuation of Trump Tower, which turned out to be a false alarm.

Incoming White House press secretary Sean Spicer started the thread Tuesday evening by tweeting thanks to the New York City Police Department after a suspicious unattended package resulted in a brief evacuation.



That’s when the mayor’s press secretary, Eric Phillips, responded, “No problem. We’ll send you the bill.”

Mr. Trump’s social media director, Dan Scavino, fired back, tweeting, “[Y]ou are an embarrassment to the @NYCMayorsOffice & the amazing #NYPD.”


SEE ALSO: Stray bag of toys prompts scare at Trump Tower


Mr. Phillips responded by linking to a Wall Street Journal article on the city’s request for $35 million to cover NYPD costs of providing security at Trump Tower, where the president-elect lives and works. Mr. Trump has said he will still frequently use the Fifth Avenue tower after taking office, the New York Post reported.

“That’s not very nice, Dan. But about that bill…work on it with us?” the mayor’s spokesman wrote.

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• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.

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