Trump Stumped by 'Corner Store' Term, Sparking Backlash

Former New York real estate mogul's unfamiliarity with iconic city businesses draws criticism from Schumer

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:09pm

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A photorealistic painting of a small corner store in New York City, with a neon sign illuminating the storefront. The scene is bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, creating a cinematic, nostalgic mood.A quintessential New York City corner store, its iconic neon sign casting a nostalgic glow, serves as a reminder of the everyday experiences that shape the fabric of the city - experiences seemingly foreign to the former real estate mogul-turned-president.NYC Today

President Donald Trump drew criticism from fellow New Yorkers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, after he appeared unfamiliar with the term 'corner store' during a recent roundtable discussion. Trump, who grew up in the affluent Queens neighborhood of Jamaica Estates, paused over written remarks about the benefits of the federal tax law, asking 'What is a corner store?' and adding 'I've never heard that term.' Schumer, a Brooklyn native, called Trump a 'true fraud' for not recognizing the ubiquitous New York City businesses.

Why it matters

Trump's lack of familiarity with corner stores, a staple of New York City neighborhoods, has sparked accusations that the former real estate mogul is out of touch with the everyday experiences of regular Americans. This comes after previous instances where Trump has appeared unaware of common terms and struggles faced by the general public.

The details

During an April 16 roundtable in Las Vegas, Trump paused over written remarks about benefits of the federal tax law, questioning the term 'corner store.' He then asked, 'Who the hell wrote that please?' Trump, 79, grew up in the posh Queens neighborhood of Jamaica Estates and has spent much of his adult life in Manhattan, where corner stores, also known as bodegas or delis, are ubiquitous.

  • On April 16, Trump made the comments about not recognizing the term 'corner store' during a roundtable discussion in Las Vegas.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old former president and real estate mogul who grew up in the affluent Queens neighborhood of Jamaica Estates and spent much of his adult life in Manhattan.

Chuck Schumer

The 75-year-old Senate Minority Leader and Brooklyn native who criticized Trump for not recognizing the term 'corner store.'

Zohran Mamdani

The democratic socialist who won an upset victory to become mayor of New York City in 2025, promising to support small businesses like delis and bodegas.

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What they’re saying

“'Born and raised' New Yorker doesn't know what a corner store is. A true fraud in every sense of the word.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader

“Chuck Schumer has spent his entire career hiking costs, raising taxes, and making the great state of New York worse. There is a reason why cryin' Chuck is the most hated elected politician in New York.”

— Davis Ingle, White House spokesperson

What’s next

The White House has dismissed Schumer's criticism, but Trump's unfamiliarity with corner stores could become a political liability as he seeks to appeal to working-class voters. Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has vowed to support small businesses like delis and bodegas, has formed an unlikely bond with Trump on addressing the city's cost-of-living issues.

The takeaway

Trump's lack of familiarity with a quintessential New York City business underscores concerns that the former real estate mogul is out of touch with the everyday experiences of regular Americans. This latest gaffe adds to a pattern of Trump appearing unaware of common terms and struggles faced by the general public.