'Bad policy, but nice guy': Donald Trump on NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump recently referenced New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during his State of the Union address, calling him a "bad policy" but also a "nice guy." Despite their stark ideological differences, Trump acknowledged Mamdani, who has clashed with Trump over various policies. Trump referred to Mamdani as a "communist" yet praised him personally, stating he speaks to him frequently.
During his speech, Trump highlighted Mamdani's stance on requiring proof of citizenship for voting while questioning the lack of ID checks for snow shoveling jobs. This was part of Trump's push for the SAVE America Act, which aims to introduce stricter voter identification requirements and in-person registration processes. The remarks reflect Trump's ongoing efforts to shape election laws, a contentious issue in US politics.
Mamdani, who represents progressive values, has been critical of Trump's policies but maintains respectful communication with him. This dynamic underscores the complex relationship between federal and local leaders. Trump's comments also highlight broader debates over election security and access, which remain hotly contested in American politics.
This interaction matters because it sheds light on the ongoing tensions between federal and state governments over election laws. It also demonstrates how personal relationships can coexist with political opposition, offering a glimpse into the give-and-take of US governance.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026