Decades ago, I worked in NY City, an experience burned into my memory that I’ll never forget.  During that time, I became very familiar with Trump, his egomaniac behavior, and how he was viewed by others.  When I was there, Ed Koch was mayor of NY who served from 1978 to 1989.  I knew that Koch was a very popular mayor even after several scandals consumed his last term.  I also knew that Trump was hated in NY, especially by the business community who mocked his cheesy business tactics and tacky taste in his buildings.  What I didn’t know was that  he and Koch feuded regularly during that time.  There were several occasions where Trump offered to finish city construction projects or waive his real estate fees.  He reneged on all of those offers when Koch refused to put Trump’s name on the projects including the skating rink in Central Park.

The depth of Koch’s hatred of Trump wasn’t really known until a number of papers, including essays written by him in the 80s and early 90s surfaced in 2017.  Here are some sweet tidbits:

“I wouldn’t believe Donald Trump if his tongue were notarized.”

“Donald Trump is one of the least likable people I have met during the 12 years that I served as mayor.  It is incomprehensible to me that for some people he has become a folk hero.”

“Trump obviously considered himself to be my friend at one time, and because of that, or because he gave or raised $70,000 for one of my mayoral campaigns, he expected something in return. He never got it. And he thought that was disloyal.”

Koch also recounted an experience of a friend who was going to have a meeting with Trump.  A London merchant who knew Trump predicted what would happen:

“Ten minutes into the meeting the phone on Trump’s desk will ring. He will answer it and say, ‘You offered them $40 million and they turned it down? Offer them $60 million.’ He will then hang up and resume his meeting with you.”

“That is exactly what happened.”

I have known what a horrible human being Trump was and is.  It is incomprehensible to me why ANY person would believe any words coming out of his mouth, much less do business with him.