Trump ‘surprised’ Mamdani criticized Venezuela raid that captured Nicolas Maduro
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Thursday, January 8, that he was “surprised” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly criticized the US raid that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Speaking during a radio interview, Trump said Mamdani’s criticism came sooner than he expected, given what he described as a cordial relationship between the two leaders. Mamdani had not only spoken out publicly against the operation but had also briefly phoned Trump to privately object to Maduro’s ouster. The Venezuelan leader is now facing federal d**g charges in the United States.
Trump says Mamdani ‘hit me’ on Venezuela victory
Trump made the remarks while speaking with radio host Hugh Hewitt, recounting his interactions with the New York City mayor.
“You know, I met him, he came to the Oval Office, and we’ve had some nice conversations,” Trump said. “And then he hit me a little bit on the tremendous victory — and you would say it was a tremendous victory — on Venezuela.”
Trump added that the timing of Mamdani's criticism caught him off guard. “I said, ‘Gee, I thought he would have at least waited a month.’ I was surprised that he hit me on that, but he did,” he said. “I just thought it would be maybe three or four weeks instead of immediately, because I do get along with him.”
Despite the disagreement, Trump suggested the relationship was far from adversarial.
Trump praises Mamdani despite policy disagreements
Trump went on to praise Mamdani personally, even as he criticized the mayor’s political views.
“He’s got a great personality. He’s a nice guy,” Trump said. “His policies are not good, but maybe he changes. I want to do everything I can to help New York. I hope New York will thrive.”
Trump added that while he disagreed with Mamdani’s ideological positions, he remained open to cooperation. “Typically, those policies, in history, those policies have never worked,” he said, before stressing his desire to support the city.
The remarks echoed a more conciliatory tone Trump adopted during a joint appearance with Mamdani at the Oval Office on November 21, 2025. At that event, both leaders praised one another despite having traded sharp insults during the November 4 mayoral election campaign.
Trump had previously labeled Mamdani a “communist” and threatened to cut federal funding to New York City. During the Oval Office meeting, however, he pivoted, predicting the mayor “is going to surprise some conservative people.”
“I expect to be helping him, not hurting him,” Trump said at the time.
Mamdani, for his part, said he looked forward to working with the administration, stating he was eager to deliver for New Yorkers “in partnership with the president on the affordability agenda."
Mamdani condemns Nicolas Maduro capture as ‘act of war'
Mamdani sharply criticized the US operation on Saturday, January 3, calling the capture of Nicolas Maduro an “act of war” and a violation of both federal and international law.
Just three days into his term, the New York City mayor said he had been briefed on the military operation and plans for Maduro’s detention in New York.
“Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law,” Mamdani said in a statement.
He added that the pursuit of regime change had direct consequences for New Yorkers. “This doesn’t just affect those abroad. It impacts tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home,” he said.
Mamdani stressed that public safety remained his administration’s priority, saying officials would continue monitoring the situation and issue guidance as needed.
