The New York Mets are experiencing a notably disappointing 2026 season despite having one of the highest payrolls in Major League Baseball. The team’s struggles have sparked widespread criticism and trade rumors, creating uncertainty about the direction of the franchise under owner and CEO Steve Cohen. This difficult period culminated in a historic losing streak, fueling frustration among fans and analysts alike.

Amid the turmoil, former President Donald Trump publicly weighed in during a rally in Georgia, using the Mets’ poor performance as a point of humor. Trump praised the Atlanta Braves’ leadership, particularly lauding Braves Development Company CEO Mike Plant, suggesting Plant would be a superior leader compared to Cohen. Trump even joked about “stealing” Plant to help the Mets, highlighting the stark contrast between the Braves’ ongoing success and the Mets’ costly failures.

Trump’s remarks, however, appear to have misunderstood Plant’s role, as his primary responsibilities lie in real estate and development projects rather than direct baseball operations, which are managed by Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos. Despite this, Trump’s comments underscored his belief that the Mets need significant changes at the top to stop their prolonged rebuilding phase and return to winning ways.

Since acquiring the Mets in 2020, Cohen has presided over a roster that remains expensive but underachieving, with the 2026 season marking a low point in postseason aspirations. The Mets are poised to miss the playoffs for a second consecutive year, intensifying scrutiny on Cohen’s leadership. Trump’s public critique brings additional attention to the team’s struggles and the ongoing debate about how the Mets should retool to regain competitiveness.