“One thing you can always count on is that Donald Trumpdespite everything, loves New York,” said Michael Caputoformer Trump administration official and Republican strategist. “I don’t think he would ever give up (New York). If that makes it a little difficult for some people in their races, I’m sorry, but that was built into this presidency 50 years ago.”
Assetwho considered running for mayor and governor when he was a developer in Manhattan, tried to influence the destiny of New York City for much of his life. He approved At Mamdani’s main enemy in last year’s mayoral election, Andrew Cuomowarning voters in the world’s financial capital not to elect a socialist. His administration tried unsuccessfully to halt a toll project in Manhattan intended to reduce traffic. And the federal government’s efforts to redevelop catacomb-like Penn Station could end up bearing the president’s name.
His meetings with Mamdani reflected this intense interest in all five boroughs.
The Trump-Mamdani relationship was forged months ago during their first Oval Office meeting in November. There, the president and the new mayor of Gotham posed in front of that of Franklin Roosevelt portrait. During their second meeting in February, Mamdani offered Trump a fake tabloid front page with the headline “Trump to City: Let’s Build” and discussed how to change New York City’s byzantine zoning laws to allow development.
At their last meeting, the two men discussed building thousands of housing units on top of a rail yard in Queens.
“He may not be one of the city’s most popular residents, but he will never give up on New York,” Caputo said. “Who the mayor is will never matter.”
For similar reasons, Mamdani has encountered little political downside from his formal meetings with a president most Democrats view as toxic. The mayor came into office with little leadership experience and has been under pressure to prove he can govern. Trump’s The federal government can provide money to help him win victories at City Hall. Just like the president, Mamdani enjoys the support of an enthusiastic base.
“There is no danger, his base gives him a complete pass for this,” Democratic strategist Yang Travel said. “No progressive organization would criticize Mamdani for that. He was able to demonstrate some initial progress and some potential with Asset.”
Gn headline
