Trump ridicules New York state for failing to challenge his own tax law: 'You could have won'

Donald Trump has claimed people are “fleeing” New York because of high taxes and ridiculed the state for failing to challenge his 2017 tax legislation.

The president attacked officials in his home state during a series of tweets on Monday, declaring New York citizens were subject to “oppression of sorts”.

Mr Trump also said the state “didn’t even put up a fight against SALT” – referring to the cap placed on state and local tax deduction, part of the Republican tax bill signed into law by the president in late 2017.

The New York native also suggested the state “could have won” if they had challenged the cap.

Previously, there was no limit on the amount of local tax payments citizens in high-tax states could deduct from their federal tax returns. But Mr Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act introduced a $10,000 (£7,700) maximum deduction.

Attacking a wide range of antagonists on Twitter on Monday, including the Democrats and The New York Times, the president claimed the media was “pushing” Joe Biden and accused US unions of ripping off their members with “ridiculously high dues”.

The 72-year-old president referred to the former vice president as “Sleepy Joe”, having previously described himself as “young” compared with the 76-year-old Democratic candidate.

Mr Trump also criticised New York governor Andrew Cuomo and New York attorney general Letitia James for trying to “take down” the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Ms James said on Saturday that her office has launched an investigation related to the NRA and she has issued subpoenas, but she declined to comment further. The New York Times reported the probe relates to the group’s tax-exempt status.

“The NRA is under siege by (New York Governor Andrew) Cuomo and the New York State A.G., who are illegally using the State’s legal apparatus to take down and destroy this very important organization, & others. It must get its act together quickly, stop the internal fighting, & get back to GREATNESS - FAST!” Mr Trump said in a Twitter post.

The gun lobby group has been in turmoil in recent days. Retired US Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North said on Saturday he would be stepping down as NRA president, claiming he was being forced out because of his allegations that NRA leaders engaged in financial improprieties.

His departure came after NRA Chief Executive Wayne LaPierre accused Mr North of trying to oust him by threatening to release “damaging” information about him, according to a letter from Mr LaPierre to NRA board members published by the Wall Street Journal on Friday.

The NRA board is scheduled to meet on Monday to debate next steps, according to media reports.