WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) – President Trump on Tuesday praised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a “nice guy” who visited the Oval Office twice but sharply criticized the mayor’s tax policies, warning they are driving residents out of the city with little chance of return.

“He’s a nice person. I really like him, he’s a nice guy — but you can’t tax people out of New York,” Trump said. “When you tax people out of New York you never get them back … it’s a very dangerous thing that’s happening right now.”

The president’s comments come amid ongoing debate over a proposed pied-à-terre tax on luxury second homes in New York City valued at $5 million or more, backed by Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul. The measure targets ultra-wealthy non-residents and is projected to generate at least $500 million annually to help close budget gaps.

Mamdani, a Democratic socialist who took office in January as the city’s first Muslim and Asian American mayor, has pushed for higher contributions from high earners to fund services for working New Yorkers. Trump has previously described the approach as destructive to the city’s economy.

Despite the policy clash, Trump noted the cordial nature of his meetings with the mayor. The two discussed housing affordability during sessions at the White House earlier this year.912b7f

New York has faced an exodus of high-income residents and businesses in recent years, with many relocating to lower-tax states such as Florida. Critics of Mamdani’s agenda argue that further tax hikes could accelerate that trend.

Mamdani’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

VINnews will continue to monitor developments in New York City’s fiscal policies and their national implications.