Jeff Bezos to Mamdani: ‘Villain strategy’ won’t work; Ken Griffin isn’t hurting New York
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's 'villain strategy' of targeting Citadel CEO Ken Griffin over a proposed pied-à-terre tax, stating it won't solve problems. While Bezos supports the tax itself, he argued against personal attacks, emphasizing that Griffin isn't harming New York. Bezos also redirected the conversation to government inefficiency, suggesting fiscal discipline is a better solution than higher taxes.
Why it matters
This article highlights a public debate between prominent figures on economic policy, taxation, and government efficiency in New York City, reflecting broader discussions about wealth distribution and urban governance.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for targeting Citadel CEO Ken Griffin in a viral Tax Day video promoting proposed pied-à-terre tax. Speaking with CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin, Bezos said: “When you don’t know how to solve a problem, create a villain, blame them. But it won’t solve the problem. The only thing that will solve the problem is skill.” Griffin had called the video “creepy” and threatened to cancel a $6 billion Midtown development project, prompting mediation by Governor Kathy Hochul.Jeff Bezos is supporting the tax but rejecting the targetingBezos, who owns a residence in New York City and would himself be subject to the proposed tax, did not oppose the policy itself. He called a pied-à-terre tax “a fine thing for New York to do,” likening it to hotel taxes that fall on out-of-towners.
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