Readers sound off on diversionary policies, Trump’s reign and Mamdani as mayor

Distracting us with big words and bombs

Hackensack, NJ: Mr. President, where are these Epstein files? You only released about 2% of the data, and even those documents were redacted beyond recognition. What’s the problem? You’re like a first grader who keeps showing up to class with the same tired excuse: “the dog ate my homework.”

Now that Greenland has predictably gone through an embarrassing bankruptcy, what’s the next diversion from these files? One suggestion: Surprise us and take a week away from the news cameras to give us all a much-needed break from the public complaining about your predecessor or the perceived slights from anyone who doesn’t worship your altar of stupidity. This is laughable coming from a spoiled and privileged brat like you. Your corrupt presidency, made of corruption, revenge and incessant hesitation between loud complaints and loud boasts, has become like a jackhammer outside our collective window every day since your inauguration.

If you want to increase your approval rating at the low end, which now hovers slightly below that of the COVID virus you once proclaimed to be a hoax, try to control your childish need for attention and stay away from the news cameras for just one week so we can all catch our breath as a nation. Being forced to listen to your endless chatter every day has become tedious. Don’t worry, your rapidly dwindling group of sheep-like cultists will still be there when you return. Ken Byrnes

sacrificed stature

Ozone Park: Between President Trump saying people of his ilk can grab women between their legs and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest for corroborating Epstein’s comments, I’m glad I missed the wealth train. These lowercase individuals can pretend they had no idea. No one can really believe that he thought he could act with impunity because he was super rich or had power. Ray Hackinson

Speedy justice

Kearny, New Jersey: Now that the former Prince Andrew has been arrested for his friendly relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and the former president of South Korea has been sentenced to life in prison for engaging in an insurrection against his government, I have to ask: When will Trump be brought to justice for these same sins and many more? Let’s not wait for the Lord to take care of it – let’s hold this bastard (and his henchmen, lackeys, courtiers and confederates) accountable now to send a message to future dictators, authoritarians and demagogues who would seek to harm our people and destroy our country! John Woodmaska

Suitable

Petaluma, California: Extraordinary article by James Speyer (“The Most Powerful Crime Syndicate in History,” editorial, February 18). Interesting, isn’t it, that there’s a Don running it? Bob Canning

True Crime

Highland Beach, Florida: Guest columnist James Speyer hypocritically slanders Trump while criticizing the slander. The administration did not assassinate anyone. Two people made extremely poor decisions by attacking, thwarting, and interfering with the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Their death, although sad, was the result of their own aggression and what they should not have done. Although I wish they were still alive, death does not undo poor choices. ICE agents do not target one color. They target illegal immigrants of all colors, so let’s stop tarnishing the story. And why would we waste five years in court for an “illegal”? Where does it say that rapists, killers, human traffickers and other “illegal” invaders have this right to due process? Did I mention “illegal”? What do the woke leftists who love to twist the facts not understand about “illegal”? Elliot Marcus

Patriotic Press

Sherrill, New York: Thursday morning, I woke up to Lawrence O’Donnell informing me of what attorney James Speyer had proclaimed in the Daily News: that Trump was running the largest crime syndicate in the world. I want to thank you for giving me hope that a crucial part of the First Amendment is still relevant. I was born when FDR was president, was in high school when Dwight “Ike” Eisenhower was in office, and was starting a family when LBJ passed Medicare (which I rely on today). So I hope you understand that my gratitude for your appeal to Trump runs deep. I only hope Americans have learned a lesson from Trump: What Benjamin Franklin said is true: we must pay attention to preserve our democracy. Sandy Miley

Call to action

East Hampton, LI: The editorial was a true public service. Despite the Trump administration’s disregard for free speech, Speyer’s profound words should remind us how urgent it is to hold Trump accountable. Blatant corruption and self-dealing must stop. The midterm elections will give the American voter the opportunity to put an end to this travesty of justice. Estimates of $1.5 billion in enrichment through illegal payments and gifts give real meaning to the phrase “pay to play.” The warden in “The Shawshank Redemption” learned that his use of the Bible to justify his abuse ultimately became a judgment on his own reign. On March 28, 2026, the next gathering of the No Kings will take place. This crime syndicate must end, and our show of resistance will be the most patriotic action we can take. We would be complicit in the conspiracy if we remained spectators. Steven A. Ludsin

Truest gift

Bronx: James Speyer’s editorial is more insightful than it probably appears to most readers. Trump’s “crime syndicate” and the love and tolerance shown by Bad Bunny in his historic and inclusive Super Bowl performance earned the artist the title of Don Benito. “Gift” is a title of respect, affection and admiration applied to people of age, worth, heart and achievement. Don Benito deserves the title, but Donald Trump hasn’t proven he’s not a don. Rose Marie Lancaster

Better before

Long Beach, LI: Who would have thought that after a month of Mayor Mamdani, we would want Bill de Blasio!? Rob Ryan

Left holding bill

Stratford, Connecticut: Well, New Yorkers, you’ve made your bed, now sleep in it. What did you think Mamdani was going to do when he took office? You, the voters, have been taken for a ride, now enjoy it. I’m having so much fun watching this story unfold. Wait until all these billionaires and corporations start leaving New York – so who is going to support all the free services your mayor promised? Ordinary New Yorkers will pay the extra taxes, depending on which type you elected. Nice work. Peter Sulzicki

Lack of intention

Pleasantville, NY: To Spokesman Terry Hansen: The allegation against genocide in Gaza by Israel is not a denial, but rather that civilian casualties are unintentional. If this were genocide, they wouldn’t give an evacuation notice before striking, which I doubt a country committing genocide would do. Additionally, Hamas has a long history of hiding among civilians and endangering them, while some dress as civilians to make it appear that civilians have been killed. Overall, Israel is not solely responsible for its actions. There are countries that actually do this, but I don’t hear some groups calling for boycotts against them like they do against Israel, which perhaps makes them anti-Semitic. Tal Barzilai