New York mayor's pied‑à‑terre tax triggers doxxing controversy

New York City’s Department of Finance released a public database listing owners of high‑value secondary residences that could be subject to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposed pied‑à‑terre tax. The list, covering roughly 950,000 property owners, exposed professor and podcaster Scott Galloway, who had publicly defended the tax on his “Pivot” show. Galloway said the disclosure felt like doxxing but reiterated his support for the progressive levy, which targets condos and co‑ops valued over $1 million and houses over $5 million. City officials estimate the tax could raise about $500 million from roughly 13,000 homes.

Governor Kathy Hochul defended the mayor’s plan, arguing the release was routine and that the tax is needed to fund city services. Critics, however, argue the database unnecessarily reveals private information and that the tax could affect many non‑rich owners, sparking a debate over privacy and fiscal policy in the city.