NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated Friday that Taylor Swift reimbursed New York City more than $160,000 for police and municipal services tied to her July 3 wedding to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in response to Republican criticism that taxpayers were footing the bill. The payment covers costs for a city permit and public safety response at Madison Square Garden.
The permit, finalized days before the wedding, required street closures and restricted pedestrian access in several areas around the venue on the day prior to the nation’s 250th Independence Day celebration. The event drew criticism after reports that approximately 150 to 200 New York Police Department officers were deployed during a sweltering holiday weekend, with some working shifts lasting up to 30 hours without breaks while balancing wedding security with Fourth of July festivities.
Representative Nicole Malliotakis, R-NY, argued the city should not bear the cost, writing on social media: “Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce should reimburse NYPD for the 130 officers needed per day to keep their multi-million dollar, thousand-person wedding at MSG safe.” She added, “Our officers are already working overtime for 4th of July festivities & NYC taxpayers should NOT be on the hook.”
Swift’s supporters maintained she had always intended to reimburse the city, a point Mayor Mamdani confirmed. Earlier this week, Mayor Mamdani warned New York would limit large-scale events due to demands from the New York Knicks’ championship run, the FIFA World Cup, and America 250 celebrations. “We have made clear that there would be limitations in terms of what the city would be able to do,” he said. “However, that would not actually limit New Yorkers’ ability to go to the park, to have a barbecue, or to enjoy other activities.”
Despite these constraints, security plans for the wedding were implemented, reportedly attracting about 1,000 guests from entertainment, sports, and business circles. Thousands of fans gathered outside Madison Square Garden, where digital billboards displayed “JUST&T MARRIED!” following the ceremony.
