In a striking political reversal, a meeting billed as a showdown between US President Donald Trump and New York City’s newly elected mayor, self-described democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, instead became a surprise praise fest in the Oval Office.
The two leaders, who had repeatedly traded barbs—with Trump’s camp labeling Mamdani a “communist” and the mayor-elect calling the president a “despot”—struck a remarkably conciliatory tone. Standing side-by-side, they repeatedly emphasized their shared interest in tackling New York City’s affordability crisis.
“I’ll be cheering for him,” President Trump told reporters, expressing hope that Mamdani would be a “really great mayor.”
The rapport was evident from the start. A relaxed President Trump deflected multiple opportunities to criticize the mayor-elect. When a reporter asked Mamdani if he believed the president was a “fascist,” Trump interjected with a smile, giving Mamdani a light tap on the arm: “That’s ok, you can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining.”
The president’s most pointed criticism was a muted, “He’s got views that are a little out there.” He also directly dismissed an attack from a key ally, Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who had called Mamdani a “jihadist.” “No I don’t,” Trump said when asked if he agreed with the characterization.
For his part, Mayor-elect Mamdani stood with hands clasped, reciprocating the diplomatic tone and pivoting past questions about his previous criticisms.
The unexpected truce signals that both leaders recognize addressing the city’s cost-of-living crisis is critical to their political success. While it remains to be seen whether the cordiality will last once Mamdani takes office on January 1st, the Oval Office meeting provided a rare moment of political détente, stunning observers and resetting the terms of their impending relationship.
By James Kisoo
