Donald Trump says Bill de Blasio is 'worst mayor' in NYC history after Fox News interview

Former President Donald Trump has called former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio the "worst mayor" in New York City history.

The attack came after de Blasio appeared on Fox News Election Night coverage on Tuesday, November 3.

De Blasio was a panelist alongside Kayleigh McEnany, Bret Baier, Martha MacCallum and Karoline Leavitt.

During the segment, de Blasio argued that the Democratic Party's focus on affordability was a winning strategy.

He said Democrats need to talk about "kitchen table issues" and "pocket book issues."

"Clear, consistent message on affordability: that's what they need to work on when they get into office," de Blasio said.

"Not chasing after impeachment — and I put Pete Hegseth aside when I say that for a moment 'cause I think his case is particular."

"But in general, Democrats need to talk about kitchen table issues, pocket book issues, do something about it and challenge the president in a productive way."

He continued: "Say, 'Hey, we're putting this on the table, sign it. We want to give people back those Medicaid opportunities to get healthcare. We want to make sure the American people can actually pay their bills.'"

"Put that kind of legislation on the table in front of the president, and if he'll sign it, God bless, then we're moving forward our nation."

"If he won't sign it, he's cooking the Republicans' goose even more for 2028."

McEnany, who served as White House press secretary from 2020 to 2021, responded by saying she hoped "Trump derangement syndrome" would keep Democrats from focusing on affordability.

She then listed Democratic officials Abdul El-Sayed, Troy Jackson, Claire Valdez and Angie Nixon.

McEnany noted Nixon's hesitation to describe Cuba as a dictatorship.

She said she hoped de Blasio would have "the courage of Haley Stevens to say, 'I reject that.'"

Stevens, a Democratic Michigan representative, had cross-endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers.

She withdrew her previous support for her former primary rival, Democrat El-Sayed.

De Blasio accused McEnany of missing the point.

"That's not what people are voting on," he said.

He added: "I've been on many Fox programs. I respect this network, but I've gotta tell you guys — you're missing the plot."

"The American people are looking at a war they do not believe in, and they did not authorize."

"They're looking at prices that..."

De Blasio's reference to a war Americans "do not believe in" and "did not authorize" appears to refer to the ongoing U.S. military conflict with Iran.

That war has become a central issue in the midterm elections.

Multiple reports indicate that the Trump administration has been divided over the Iran conflict for months.

Vice President JD Vance privately criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Axios.

Vance warned that the war could cost Republicans control of Congress, the report said.

Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in Tuesday's elections.

Vance publicly blamed the Iran war for the Republican defeat.

The Wall Street Journal reported that tensions within the administration had intensified over whether to continue military operations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth advocated continuing the campaign, while Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials pushed for diplomatic negotiations, the Journal reported.

The Journal also reported that White House officials held a meeting in September to discuss the political consequences of the Iran war.

Participants expressed concern that publicly acknowledging U.S. military strikes could damage Republican candidates.

Trump agreed that publicizing the operations would not help the party's electoral prospects, the Journal reported.

U.S. forces conducted limited defensive strikes against Iranian missile launchers without publicly emphasizing the operations, according to the Journal.

Some White House advisers blamed Hegseth for persuading Trump that the conflict would be a short military engagement, the Journal reported.

Despite the internal criticism, Trump has publicly defended Hegseth and indicated he does not intend to remove him.

Axios reported that Netanyahu had urged Trump to resume military strikes.

De Blasio's Fox News appearance came as the election results were still being tallied.

The former mayor served two terms as mayor of New York City, from 2014 to 2021.

Trump, a native New Yorker, has frequently criticized de Blasio over the years.

Trump himself served as a New York City businessman and reality TV star before becoming president.

He has often weighed in on New York City politics, including endorsing candidates for mayor.

De Blasio's tenure as mayor was marked by debates over policing, affordable housing and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump's characterization of de Blasio as the "worst mayor" in NYC history echoes past criticisms.

Trump has used similar language about other political opponents.

The Fox News panel also included discussion of the midterm results and their implications for the next two years of Trump's presidency.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Wednesday that Trump will continue governing by bypassing Congress.

Merz told the SPD Economic Forum in Berlin: "Even over the last two years, Trump has largely governed by bypassing Congress. Why should that be any different now?"

Merz argued that the U.S. Constitution gives the presidency broad powers to make decisions independently of Congress.

Deputy government spokesman Steffen Meyer said Berlin views the United States as an enduring ally.

"The USA is — and will remain — an important partner and ally for us," Meyer said.

Merz predicted there would be no "breakthrough" in U.S. policy after the Democratic victory.

De Blasio's comments on Fox News have now drawn a direct response from Trump.

Trump's statement calling de Blasio the "worst mayor" in NYC history was posted on social media.

The exact wording of Trump's post was not immediately available.

But the exchange highlights the ongoing political battles playing out even as the election results are being processed.

De Blasio's warning about the war and affordability resonated with Democratic voters, according to exit polls.

The midterm elections saw Democrats regain control of the House and Senate.

Republicans had controlled both chambers since the 2024 elections.

The shift in power will likely complicate Trump's agenda for the remaining two years of his term.

Trump has already signaled he will use executive orders to bypass Congress on key issues.

Merz's comments in Berlin reflect a broader international expectation that Trump's governing style will not change.