Steven Roth, chairman and CEO of Vornado Realty Trust, has intensified the ongoing conflict with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani by equating the phrase 'tax the rich' to 'disgusting racial slurs.' During a recent earnings call, Roth criticized the negative portrayal of high earners, asserting that they are crucial to the city's economy, contributing 50% of New York's income taxes. He emphasized that many wealthy individuals embody the American dream, having started with nothing and becoming significant employers and philanthropists. In contrast, City Hall, through press secretary Joe Calvello, defended Mamdani's approach, arguing that the current tax system is broken and disproportionately favors the wealthy while neglecting working-class citizens. This clash comes after Mamdani's controversial video outside billionaire Ken Griffin's Manhattan residence, where he announced a new pied-à-terre tax. Griffin labeled the video 'creepy' and criticized the city's attitude towards success, further complicating the relationship between business leaders and city officials.