Democrat Zohran Mamdani made headlines with his historic win in the New York City mayoral election, defeating prominent figures like former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. However, in a surprising twist, it has been reported that Mamdani received an unexpected compliment from his most vocal critic: President Donald Trump.
The President, who was known for his consistently disparaging remarks about Mamdani throughout the campaign, reportedly offered words of praise for the new Mayor-elect in private.
Trump’s Private Compliments for Mamdani
According to media report, which cited two people privy to the matter, President Trump admitted in private that Mamdani was a talented politician.
- Reported Private Remarks: Trump reportedly called Mamdani a “slick” and “good talker.”
- Public Posture Shift: Furthermore, on the Wednesday following the election, President Trump softened his public tone slightly, saying he might even “help him a little bit maybe” because he ultimately wants NYC to succeed.
The Public Feud: ‘Communist’ vs. ‘Turn the Volume Up’
The reported private admiration stands in stark contrast to the highly public and acrimonious relationship between the two politicians during the election campaign.
Donald Trump’s Public Criticism:
- Trump repeatedly slammed the 34-year-old Democratic socialist and first Muslim mayor-elect, calling him an “extremist,” a “communist,” and a danger to New York City.
- The President also resorted to personal attacks, insisting that he was “much better looking” than Mamdani.
- Ahead of the election, Trump warned voters that if the “Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani” won, it was “highly unlikely” he would provide federal funds to his “beloved first home,” New York.
Zohran Mamdani’s Defiant Message:
Mamdani, meanwhile, did not back down and delivered a very public and memorable message to the President during his victory speech:
“So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you. Turn the volume up,” Mamdani exclaimed.
He continued, issuing a stark warning: “So hear me, President Trump, when I say this: To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.”
Allies Advise Trump to Adopt a Diplomatic Approach
Given that President Trump was born and raised in New York, his allies are reportedly urging him to adopt a more diplomatic approach toward the city now that Mamdani is the Mayor-elect.
- John Catsimatidis, the billionaire grocery and oil magnate in New York, reportedly advised the President not to hold back federal money necessary to help New Yorkers.
- While Catsimatidis said he didn’t think the President needed to send in the military, he did ask Trump to closely monitor the federal funds given to the city, as reported by media.