Scott Bessent Hails New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani as Democratic Leader
By Jim Mishler | Tuesday, 25 November 2025 04:17 PM EST
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani as the new leader of the Democratic Party, following a White House meeting with former President Donald Trump. Bessent told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that Trump’s invitation to Mamdani indicated he was “clearly the leader of the Democratic Party now.”
Bessent praised Mamdani’s campaign for New York, stating, “I think that you’ve got to have some admiration for a candidate who ran a campaign the way he did. It was a great, great campaign.” He noted that Trump’s meeting with Mamdani highlighted his openness, saying, “I think it speaks to how open-minded the president is that he invited him into the Oval [Office].”
Despite Mamdani running as a Democrat, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer appeared to distance himself from him, Bessent said. “Sen. Schumer never endorsed him. I don’t even know if he’s met with him,” he added.
Bessent criticized Mamdani’s policies, calling him “a young man with a lot of old ideas that have never worked.” He questioned whether Mamdani could manage New York, stating, “It’s easy to run a campaign, but the practical everyday of keeping people safe, picking up the trash, making the subways run on time, we’ll see.”
Mamdani and Trump had exchanged verbal jabs before their meeting. As Mamdani spoke, Trump patted him on the arm and said, “That’s OK. You can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining it.”
Jim Mishler is a seasoned reporter, anchor, and news director with decades of experience covering crime, politics, and environmental issues.
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