John Catsimatidis

You’ve been dabbling in small nuclear reactors. This sounds like it might be a good play for a data center. Was that your game plan?

When America is under attack, the grid system is very fragile. Small modular reactors are more important than ever. SMRs are conducive to small cities and communities. SMRs can be duplicated to make sure any outages are limited and not widespread. If some enemy or foreign element puts the grid out, half of the nation could go out. SMRs have evolved into a security asset.  

Tell us about the status of your Coney Island projects. How have they been doing? Do you think you’re going to build more?

Coney Island’s performance — at Ocean Drive at 3514 Surf Avenue — has been decent. The New York real estate industry is in turmoil. I would like to build more. I love New York state and New York City. However, because of severe regulation, threats of socialism and concerns by investors, I have become very cautious. 

When I look at return on investment, I take into consideration my children and grandchildren. 

You ran for mayor — now that we’re nine months in, how would you grade Zohran Mamdani? What’s the biggest thing he’s gotten right? What’s the biggest thing he’s gotten wrong?

Many migrants who have only been New York City residents the past five to seven years turned out to vote for Mamdani. Giving Mamdani the benefit of the doubt, my grade for him is C-plus.  

He appears to have some popularity because of his campaign for affordability. However, Mamdani and other elected Democrats continue to waste huge money on foolish projects. This has become a turnoff to many business owners who have begun exiting the city and exploring other alternative cities and states.

New York City has many different classes of people, different cultural and ethnic groups, and Mamdani needs to engage them with equal treatment.

Florida or New York for real estate development?

At this time, Florida real estate for investing and building looks much more favorable for me.

If you could change one area of global or local tumult, what would it be and why?

The U.S. used to have about 220 refineries. Now there are 116. It is important now — an emergency for our nation to expand refinery capacity. Gasoline and oil are going to be around for 30 to 40 more years. We will gradually become less reliant on it. There is no shortage of oil — what is taking place is an artificial increase of oil prices created by the opponents of President Trump who want to weaken him.  

And the international oil market is having less impact on the United States. There is growing importance for alternative sources of energy.

You had a role in “Marty Supreme.” How did that come about? And are there any future roles we can look forward to?

American filmmaker Josh Saftie approached me through my son. At the time, I was running for New York mayor. He felt I was good for a role in this movie.

It is unlikely I will be cast in any future roles because I do not have an agent, and I continue to be extremely involved with running our company. (If there is another worthy movie with quality, I would love another opportunity.)

Lightning Round:

Your AI platform of choice? ChatGPT.

Who would play you in a movie? The only person who can play John Catsimatidis is John Catsimatidis!

One prompt you’d never give AI. I actually do not believe in artificial intelligence. AI is only as intelligent as the programmers who program it.

Jalen Brunson or Aaron Judge? Aaron Judge.

“Oppenheimer” or “Odyssey”?  “Oppenheimer.”

Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield or Tobey Maguire? Tobey McGuire.

Have you ever eaten pizza with a knife and fork? Yes.

The most money you’ve ever spent on a hamburger? $80.

Bank or non-bank? Banks.

Last book you read? I rarely read books because of some problems with my left eye.

Borrowing costs — up or down in 2027? If President Trump has control, interest rates should drop. If President Trump is put in a bad position with the midterm elections, interest rates could increase.

What was your nickname when you grew up/started out? Catsi!

How long do we have before AI kills us all? If evil people, evil forces, gain control of AI, this could happen sooner than later!

Where’s your secret escape compound? (Think Peter Thiel’s New Zealand Plan B.) My home in the Hamptons!