Trump declares himself resident of Florida in move that could help him pay less tax, says report

He was born in the Big Apple, but Donald Trump – who has always prided himself as the ultimate New Yorker – has declared himself a Floridian and possibly doing so for tax reasons.

The president said he had been “treated very badly” by political leaders in the state in a tweet announcing his decision.

“Despite the fact that I pay millions of dollars in city, state and local taxes each year ... Few have been treated worse,” he said.

While he long operated out of his penthouse in New York’s Trump Tower, both a reality television star and a political candidate, since becoming president he has spent much more time at as Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

But now both Mr Trump and first lady Melania Trump, filed a “declaration of domicile” saying Mar-a-Lago will now be their permanent residence, The New York Times reports.

“If I maintain another place or places of abode in some other state or states, I hereby declare that my above-described residence and abode in the state of Florida constitutes my predominant and principal home, and I intend to continue it permanently as such,” said the filing.

“I formerly resided at 721 Fifth Avenue.”

It said he listed under “other places of abode”, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the address for the White House, and his private golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

Since becoming president, he has spent a reported 99 days at Mar-a-Lago, and just 20 at Trump Tower.

The New York Times suggested the move may be being done for tax reasons.

It said Florida, which does not have a state income tax or inheritance tax, “has long been a place for the wealthy to escape the higher taxes of the northeast”.

It said the president had also been angered by efforts of officials in New York state to obtain copies of his tax returns.