Trump’s Advice to NYC Mayor on Retaining Talent

President Trump commented on New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani during a recent radio interview, describing him as a “really good character.” However, he emphasized the need for Mamdani to address the city’s issue of “losing talent” and to persuade the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to reconsider its decision to open an office in Dallas.

Reflecting on their meeting last November, Trump noted, “I got along very well with him. We discussed various topics, and he’s just himself. I doubt he’ll change too much. People have their tendencies.” This familiarity seems to give Trump a sense of optimism, even though he expressed concerns about the direction in which New York is heading.

“My goal is to see New York succeed,” he said. “If he can help the city thrive, that’s great. But right now, it feels like New York is moving in the wrong direction and people are leaving. The fact that the NYSE chose to establish its main stock exchange in Dallas? Not ideal for New York.” The NYSE made its Dallas office official back in March 2025, prior to Mamdani’s recent assumption of office.

Trump voiced that if he were in Mamdani’s position, he would have actively tried to intervene to prevent the NYSE’s move, calling it a “big problem” that negatively impacts New York. “I think he’s got a vibrant personality and valuable qualities,” Trump remarked, expressing a wish for Mamdani to succeed since that would ultimately benefit the city.

He further stated, “Forget about any personal feelings. It’s really about policies—approaches that have largely failed over decades. Perhaps Mamdani can make them work. Yet, many believe that’s unlikely. It’s a tough situation when you’re dealing with a stock exchange being set up in Texas.” With his characteristic candidness, Trump concluded, “I want to see him succeed because that’s good for New York.”