Yesterday, Friday, US President Donald Trump received New York Mayor-elect Zahran Mamdani (a democratic socialist) with a remarkably warm welcome in the Oval Office, and praised what he achieved in the elections, even though the two men had previously exchanged violent attacks, including Trump’s description of Mamdani as a “communist” in his post announcing the meeting.
However, this time, the two sides focused on common ground related to the issue of affordability of living, and their desire to see New York City prosper.
The content of the discussion was remarkable, but the tone of the meeting seemed in some aspects more surprising. The two sides seemed very friendly, whether in their actions or small comments.
Trump repeatedly intervened to defend Mamdani in the face of hostile press questions, and he also expressed his hope – in a paternal tone – that a photo taken of Mamdani next to a painting of the late President Franklin Roosevelt would appear “properly.”
The meeting between these two ideologically different politicians ignited social networking sites.
Here are the main winners, losers, and lessons learned from this meeting:
Biggest winner: Zahran Mamdani
By all accounts, the meeting is considered a great success for the 34-year-old mayor-elect, as Mamdani achieved his primary goal: finding common ground with Trump without compromising on his principles.
Trump’s previous warnings about potentially cutting off federal funding to the city or deploying the National Guard now appear to be out of the question, at least temporarily, although it is difficult to predict the future given the president’s volatile nature.
Over the past months, Mamdani’s opponents in right-wing politics and media have tried to portray him as a threat to mainstream values, but Trump – who had previously joined in these attacks – completely dismantled that narrative on Friday.
“The better he does his job, the happier I will be,” Trump said at the beginning of their conversation with reporters.
When asked if he would feel comfortable living in New York under a Mamdani administration, Trump replied: “Yes, I would. Absolutely. Especially after this meeting.”
Although the hard left may criticize Mamdani for his meeting with Trump, he has not backed down from his previous positions toward Trump.
Mamdani said:
“There may be ideological differences, but what we agree on is the work needed to make New York an affordable city.”
Important winner: Donald Trump
Trump’s aggressive tone may sometimes mask his political savvy, but this meeting is a clear example of his skill.
He turned the meeting into a huge media event, surprising the audience by being friendly with an ideological opponent, and presenting himself as someone looking for commonalities on the cost of living.
Trump pointed out – recalling a favorite topic – that many of those who voted for leftist Senator Bernie Sanders in the 2016 primaries ended up voting for him in the general elections, confirming the existence of a common base.
Trump nodded approvingly as Mamdani spoke about New York voters who backed Trump in 2024 over the affordability issue.
The only potential danger: the reaction of his right-wing base, which might find his friendliness toward Mamdani unacceptable.
Biggest Loser: Anti-Mamdani Republican Messages
Republicans in Congress worked to prepare a campaign linking the Democratic Party with Mamdani – a democratic socialist – and presenting them both as an extremist and dangerous movement, but Trump completely torpedoed this path in half an hour.
When a journalist cited accusations by Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, who described Mamdani as a “jihadist,” and asked Trump if he felt like he was sitting next to a “jihadist,” he replied: “No, I don’t feel that way.”
Then he added: “I met a very rational man… who really wants to see New York great again.”
This response came as a devastating blow to Stefanik’s campaign to run for mayor of New York, and current Governor Kathy Hokul’s campaign issued a statement in which she said that this was “the moment when Trump blew up the entire foundation of Stefanik’s campaign.”
Although it is possible that Trump will later back down and return to attacking Mamdani, Republican hopes of using the strategy of intimidation from Mamdani have received a direct blow from the president himself.
Surprise loser: Mamdani’s critics in the media
It was striking how easy it was to refute aggressive journalistic questions.
Not only did Trump respond in which he refuted the description of Mamdani as a “jihadist” or affirmed his comfort in living under his administration, but he also intervened when Mamdani was asked – in an accusatory tone – if he saw the president as a “fascist.”
Mamdani had not finished his sentence before Trump laughed and said with a smile: “That’s okay, you can just say yes… It’s easier. I don’t mind.”
CNN correspondent Caitlan Collins said that this scene “sums up almost the entire meeting.”
Rabeh Johari: New York City
Although the tone and footage attracted headlines, the meeting has important practical implications for the city, so far very positive.
The potential for cooperation between Trump and Mamdani has increased significantly, which is important, especially in light of Trump’s previous threats to cut about $7 billion in federal funding.
Trump’s statement that they will “work together” for the benefit of the most populous city in the United States may have a tangible impact.
Conclusion: It was an encounter worth watching
At the end of the meeting, Trump spoke warmly about the amount of media coverage the meeting had generated, expressing his joy that Mamdani’s visit had drawn more attention than visits by other leaders.
With his well-known television sense, Trump rightly saw that the meeting provided attractive material for viewers.
Whether one loved Trump or Mamdani or hated them, their meeting was an exciting event to watch above all else.