City announces plans to terminate 3 Trump Organization Agreements

Moses Kuwema

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday that the City of New York is taking steps to terminate three Trump Organization agreements with the City after last week’s deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

The Administration will be notifying the Trump Organization that the City will begin the process to cancel its agreements to operate the Central Park Carousel, Wollman and Lasker skating rinks, and Ferry Point Golf Course in accordance with the steps outlined in the contracts.

“The President incited a rebellion against the United States government that killed five people and threatened to derail the constitutional transfer of power,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“The City of New York will not be associated with those unforgivable acts in any shape, way or form, and we are immediately taking steps to terminate all Trump Organization contracts.”

“Mr. Trump’s incitement of violence at our Capitol was an abomination,” said Corporation Counsel James E. Johnson.

“In light of last week’s attack on our Capitol and our democracy, we have concluded that it is in the best interests of New Yorkers for the City to commence the process of cancelling these contracts and terminating its business ties with the Trump Organization.”

The PGA recently cancelled the 2022 PGA Championship at a Trump golf course. In its contract with the Trump Organization to run Ferry Point Golf Course, the City called for a championship level golf course that would attract major championship events.

The termination process for each location is detailed in each of the City agreements. The Carousel is currently closed and termination will be effective 25 days after the City’s termination notice is delivered.

The Agreement for the Wollman and Lasker Rinks terminates after 30 days written notice. The process for terminating the Ferry Point Golf Course is more detailed and is expected to take a number of months.

And Democratic Council candidate for District 13 Marjorie Velazquez commended the revocation of the contracts and called for a DOI investigation into any private funding of the course.

"After the attempted coup that took place in our capitol, incited by President Trump and aided by Congressional Republicans, the Trump name has become synonymous with hate, racism, anti-semitism, and insurrection. It should no longer be allowed to be promoted in New York City," Velazquez said.

"Tens of thousands of New Yorkers are forced to see this huge sign of hate everyday as they drive over the Whitestone Bridge, in full view of Trump Links Golf, which was built in my district across the street from Throggs Neck Houses, a NYCHA development that has been grossly underfunded for decades.

"I am not only commending the revocation of City contracts with the Trump Organization, but calling for the removal of his name as well as a DOI investigation into the private funding of the course," he added.

"This golf course is on public land, mostly funded by public funds, and therefore, DOI and the City need to do a full investigation of the private funding that went into the course and if any hate groups, neo-Nazis or white supremist groups have held events here.

"The land that Trump Links Golf Course stands on should be turned back into a public course, with a reputable, community-minded operator.

"Additionally, nearby park space must be upgraded for community use as part of any new contract. The Ferry Point Golf Course must work for all Bronx residents, not just for wealthy golfers from outside of the city," concluded.