Vivek Ramaswamy Criticizes NYC's $220 Million Deal with Pakistan-Owned Hotel

The Roosevelt Hotel, owned by Pakistan's government, has been leased to New York City to house migrants, drawing backlash over taxpayer spending and international financial implications.

New York City has signed a $220 million, three-year lease to use the Roosevelt Hotel, owned by Pakistan International Airlines, as migrant housing.
The deal is part of a larger $1.1 billion IMF bailout package aimed at preventing Pakistan from defaulting on its international debt obligations.
Vivek Ramaswamy, co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency, criticized the arrangement as a misuse of taxpayer funds, claiming NYC residents are effectively funding a foreign government.
The Roosevelt Hotel, a 19-story property with 1,200 rooms, had been closed since 2020 due to low occupancy and the need for renovations before this agreement.
The lease is expected to generate significant revenue for Pakistan, with officials confirming the hotel will return to Pakistani control after the contract ends.