January 14, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
The Big Apple, New York City, is biting back at Trump by ending three of its contacts related to running entertainment venues for the Trump Organization, including the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point.
New York City’s mayor’s office announced the decision on Wednesday morning. The contract terminations follow the January 6 storming of the United States White House Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump during a joint session of Congress to formalize President-elect Joe Biden’s election victory. The riot resulted in the death of five people, including a Capitol Police office Brian D. Sicknick. The NYC deal specifically cites a contractual issue: the failure to lure major events (it’s not clear if that means majors or just significant tournaments.)
“The city of New York will not be associated with those unforgivable acts in any shape, way or form,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement, “and we are immediately taking steps to terminate all Trump Organization contracts.”
Designed by Jack Nicklaus‘ company, and opened in 2015, the course is located in the Bronx and was built on a former landfill, sitting beneath the Whitestone Bridge at a cost of $127 million. Golfers who play there are in awe of the amazing views of the Manhattan skyline.
A statement from the mayor’s office on Wednesday noted “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.” However, the well-received course has never reached its goal to serve as host for any high-profile tournament. The venue was also highly criticized for the enormous green fees it charged New York residents, $185 on the weekends despite its municipal ties.
Yet, there are other Trump Organization deals on the table for New York City and in just 30-days the mayor’s office is slated to close contracts on a carousel and ice rink for the City. The mayor’s office said “the process for terminating the Ferry Point golf course is more detailed and is expected to take a number of months.”
Coming to his father’s defense, Eric Trump, son of President Trump and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, has challenged the city’s decision and released the following statement to New York media outlets.
“Yet another example of Mayor de Blasio’s blatant disregard for the facts. The City of New York has no legal right to end our contracts and if they elect to proceed, they will owe The Trump Organization over $30 million,” the statement said. “This is nothing more than political discrimination, an attempt to infringe on the first amendment and we plan to fight vigorously.”
In another turn of events for Trump, Sunday, the PGA of America announced it will move its 2022 PGA Championship from Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J. Afterward, on the very next day, the R&A announced it has no plans for holding any of its championships at Trump Turnberry and will not do so for the foreseeable future.
