Stew Bolno: Trump and Mamdani — a tale of two systems

As you may recall, in late November, President Trump invited New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani to the White House. Those who try to understand Trump weren’t surprised by the President’s request. Since they never met, he wanted to take the measure of the young man. It may be a while before we learn exactly what went on in their private meeting, but something tells me the more experienced and qualified leader, who possesses significantly more power, wanted clarity on Mamdani’s vision. 

I suspect Trump was seeking first-hand data about the face of democratic socialism while accumulating information about Mamdani’s mission and soul. The intel gathered will be useful for future support and cooperation from the White House. 

During the meeting with the press a surprise question, intended to create discomfort, provided an opportunity for the President to demonstrate a classic power move while displaying his alert state of street smarts, wit, and empathy. After a complimentary statement by Trump, the question, directed to Mamdani related to his consistent campaign comments referring to the President as a “fascist.” Within seconds, while the surprised Mamdani was ruminating for an appropriate response, the sitting Trump gently placed his hands on his standing guest and simply stated “just say yes.” 

Everyone laughed at Trump’s clever comment, taking Mamdani “off the hook.”

As politicians, each man clearly communicates his purpose, priorities, and positions. Trump, for decades, has lived the business life of a confident and capitalist bottom-line executive of complex organizations, who attempts to foster win-win situations. He’s demonstrated this talent as a real estate maven and in his current role as President of the United States. 

Zohran Mamdani was relatively unknown twelve months ago. He self-identifies as a democratic socialist, which helped him to achieve victory in November’s election. He’s never held an executive position of consequence and has minimal awareness, let alone deep experience, in leading complicated systems with thousands of employees. How he’ll handle the job as Mayor is anybody’s guess. We know what he believes; soon the people of NYC will learn if he can deliver on his promises and if his decisions enhance the quality of life. 

Mamdani will be expected to deliver on the many specifics he stated, such as government-managed food stores, free bus service, and increasing taxes among the wealthy. Quite soon, we’ll learn how effective he is at implementing these often-stated priorities in an efficient and responsible manner. 

As the year rolls on, we’ll observe how he interacts with the business community, unions, police force, and those who voted for other candidates. The citizens of NYC as well as the USA will be evaluating his degree of success in delivering on his socialist mission. It’s a long list including political supporters, foes, and skeptical citizens. In the unique event socialist policies make NYC more affordable, lessen crime rates, and enhance the quality of life for the majority of New Yorkers, one can be confident Trump won’t try to gum up the works since Trump prefers bottom-line performance over political ideology. 

Parallel to the Mayor’s first year performance, all Americans will be paying attention to the impact of President Trump’s activities during the first year of his second term and will experience if his trickle-out theory is working. Beginning January 1, because of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” all servers and taxi drivers will pocket 100 percent of their tips. Wage and salaried employees will notice increased net income. People who use accountants for filing taxes will be told their quarterly payments to the Feds will be less than the year before. 

During the year past, 47 traveled the world selling America, encouraging leaders of countries and corporations to invest in the United States. He’s convinced more than a few CEO’s his tax reductions, deregulation actions, and increased energy availability will provide them with a financial incentive to move their factories and/or build key production facilities on American soil. In 2025 he sowed the seeds; we’ll see if his plantings take root and yield fruit in 2026. If they do, it will have a positive impact on employment numbers, unemployment rates, economic growth, inflation, as well as a decrease in the annual federal deficit.

Yogi Berra was a catcher for the New York Yankees (1946-1963). Among many comments attributed to him, he is known to have composed one of life’s absolute truths; “it’s hard to make predictions; especially about the future.” 

Reasonable people recognize that Trump and Mamdani will appear at the very top of the rankings within “the most mentioned” category. Although they’re two generations apart as well as ideologically distinct, each will be evaluated by his ability to achieve positive results based upon governmental, economic, and social promises made to their citizens. A comparison of them is inevitable, since both will be testing competing political system hypotheses. Additionally, each will be displaying his distinct and deeply held governing orientation, respect for historical American values, and organizational leadership style. 

It will be an intoxicating year for political junkies. If you’re still reading this column, you’ll be paying serious attention immediately after Mamdani takes the oath of office on New Years’ Day. So will I. 

Stew Bolno is a chronological peer of Donald Trump. He’s been a student, college professor, and consultant on leadership during his 50-year career. He’s followed politics longer than that time. His recent book is “Leadership Lessons And You: From A to Z – featuring Donald Trump” and he’s written scores of essays about him since he descended the Trump Tower staircase.