WASHINGTON — On his 100th day leading New York City, Zohran Mamdani received three pieces of advice from President Trump, who expressed a desire for the mayor to make the city “shine.”
Despite their differing political views—Mamdani, 34, has labeled Trump a “fascist” in the past—the two have maintained a cordial relationship since their meeting in the Oval Office last November. Trump, 79, refrained from mentioning the mayor’s past criticisms when evaluating Mamdani’s tenure.
“You need to cut taxes, or people will start leaving. It’s straightforward,” Trump remarked to The Post, discussing the socialist mayor with whom he frequently exchanges text messages.
Trump emphasized, “The city needs a clean-up. Manhattan, in particular, should be revitalized to sparkle. That’s top priority. Also, tax reductions are necessary to prevent an exodus.”
He added, “Addressing crime is crucial, and inviting the federal government to assist could make a difference. Those are the three key areas.”
Mamdani has aimed to collaborate with Trump on mutual goals, such as expanding housing. On February 27, he privately met with Trump to propose a plan for $21 billion in federal funding to construct 12,000 housing units and develop over rail tracks in Sunnyside, Queens.
Trump was “enthusiastic” about the concept, the mayor’s spokesperson said at the time.
The president and Mamdani blasted each other ahead of last November’s mayor race, with Trump calling him a “communist” and going so far as to endorse his longtime foe, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was running as an independent.
In November, Trump welcomed Mamdani to the Oval Office for a stunningly warm encounter where he said the fellow Queens native is a “very rational person” who is “going to surprise some conservative people, actually.”
Trump stepped in when a reporter asked Mamdani if he still considered Trump a fascist.
“That’s OK, you can just say yes,” Trump joked.
Mamdani said “yes” again in an interview published Friday by Politico.
