Mayor Confirms Taylor Swift Covered $160,000 Police Overtime for July 3 Wedding
New York City officials said pop star Taylor Swift paid more than $160,000 for police overtime related to her wedding at Madison Square Garden, refuting claims that the event used taxpayer resources.
Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce married on July 3 at Madison Garden in New York City, an event that required a substantial police presence. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani told reporters on July 10 that Swift paid the permit fee for the additional security, which exceeded $160,000 and covered overtime for officers deployed around the venue.
The mayor said, "> Taylor Swift will be paying … has paid already the cost of the permit that was lodged, which was over $160,000 for that event and for the response to that event." He added that the permit was finalized just days before the ceremony.
Security measures included temporary street closures and extra NYPD officers to protect more than 1,000 guests, many of whom were required to sign nondisclosure agreements. While some observers had questioned whether public funds were being used for a private celebration, city officials indicated that the costs were fully covered by the couple.
According to media reports, the wedding’s total expense was estimated at $30 million or more, with floral and décor costs alone around $5 million. The couple is also reported to have pledged charitable donations totaling nearly $26 million. Swift’s net worth is estimated at $2.1 billion, and Kelce’s contract with the Chiefs is set to pay him about $12 million annually beginning in the 2026 season.