Nobody ever predicted this would happen.
President Donald Trump is offering unexpectedly positive remarks about New York City’s new Democratic mayor — while still warning that decades of failed policies are driving the city toward economic and population decline.
In a recent radio interview, Trump spoke candidly about his relationship with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, describing him as personable and easy to talk to, even as the president voiced serious concerns about the direction of America’s largest city.
Trump Praises Personality, Warns on Policy
Trump said he and Mamdani developed a respectful rapport during a private meeting late last year, noting that while their political philosophies differ, personal chemistry was not an issue.
“We actually got along very well,” Trump said. “Good discussions, good conversations. People are who they are, and usually that doesn’t change. But I want New York to succeed.”
The president emphasized that his comments were not about personal disagreements, but about long-term results — especially as New York continues to lose residents and businesses to lower-tax, lower-regulation states.
Economic Red Flags for New York City
One issue Trump highlighted was the recent expansion of the New York Stock Exchange into Texas, calling it a symbolic and economic warning sign.
Earlier this year, the NYSE launched a fully electronic equities exchange in Dallas — a move Trump said reflects broader concerns about New York’s competitiveness.
“When major financial institutions are setting up shop in Texas, that’s not a positive signal for New York,” Trump said. “If I were mayor, I would have fought hard to keep that from happening.”
Although the Texas exchange opened before Mamdani officially took office, Trump argued that the trend reflects years of policy decisions that have made it harder for New York to retain investment and talent.
“I Want Him to Succeed,” Trump Says
Despite his criticism, Trump repeatedly stressed that he wants the mayor to succeed — because New York’s success benefits the entire country.
“I think he has a good personality and real assets,” Trump said. “I don’t care what he’s said about me. What matters are policies. Many of these ideas haven’t worked — not for decades, not for centuries. Maybe he’ll surprise people. But you have to be careful.”
Trump added that if Mamdani proves capable of reversing current trends, it would be a win for New Yorkers and the nation as a whole.
“If he does well, that’s good for New York, and that’s good for America,” Trump said.
A Surprisingly Cordial Relationship
Despite harsh campaign rhetoric last year, the president and mayor have reportedly remained in regular contact since the election. Following the vote, Trump invited the then-mayor-elect to the Oval Office, where both leaders expressed interest in working together on shared concerns such as housing affordability and economic stability.
“I want to help him, not hurt him,” Trump said at the time. “I want New York City to be great again.”
Trump even suggested the new mayor could defy expectations across the political spectrum.
“I think he may surprise some conservatives — and some liberals too,” he said.
Ongoing Disputes Remain
That said, policy disagreements have already emerged. Mamdani, who has openly described himself as a democratic socialist, has opposed certain federal law-enforcement actions and immigration measures backed by the Trump administration.
New York state has also filed legal challenges over withheld federal funding tied to fraud investigations, while the administration has warned that sanctuary jurisdictions could face broader funding consequences if they refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Those disputes are expected to play out in court.
Trump’s Bottom Line
Despite the tensions, Trump made clear that the door remains open.
“I want New York to thrive,” he said. “But it needs a change in direction — and quickly.”