To the amazement of US politicians and the general public, US President Donald Trump and New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met on Friday after months of trading jabs. Instead of taking jabs at one another, the two exchanged praise.
Trump, a billionaire turned politician, and Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, appeared to get along at the White House despite their disagreements over everything from immigration to economic policy in the run-up to the New York mayoral polls.
Videos that went viral showed Mamdani standing next to Trump in the Oval Office while they both responded to media inquiries. The US President at times even appeared to be defending the incoming mayor of New York, whom he had once called a “total nut job” and a “100% Communist Lunatic”.
Trump told reporters on Friday, “I think he is going to surprise some conservative people, actually,” a stark departure from his past remarks against Mamdani.
“We agree on a lot more than I would have thought,” Trump continued, before adding, “We have one thing in common: We want this city of ours that we love to do very well.”
The US President continued, “Some of his ideas are the same ideas I have,” adding, “The better he does, the happier I am.”
While many were taken aback by Trump’s sudden goodwill for the NYC mayor-elect, who had been a fierce political foe even weeks earlier, a conversation on their political beliefs confused analysts, political pundits, and the internet at large.
“A very logical man”
When reporters were granted access to the Oval Office, Mamdani was directly questioned about his previous remarks on the US President operating in a fascist manner. However, Trump intervened before the NYC mayor-elect could respond.
“I’ve been referred to as far worse than a despot. The US President stated, “I think he’ll change his mind after we get to working together, so it’s not that insulting.”
Trump reiterated, “That’s OK,” when reporters persisted and questioned Mamdani if he still agreed with his past remarks calling Trump a fascist. Simply respond “yes.” Alright? It’s simpler. It’s simpler than trying to explain it. I’m fine with it.
The US President added, “I’ll stick up for you,” to the prospective mayor of New York City.
When asked if the guy seated next to him in the Oval Office was a “jihadist,” Trump responded, “No, I don’t.” I had a meeting with a really sensible man.
Trump even hinted that he would relocate to his hometown, which Mamdani will assume leadership of on January 1.
For his part, Mamdani also mentioned that the encounter was probably not what he had anticipated.
“What I really appreciate about the president is that the meeting that we had focused not on places of disagreement, which there are many, and also focused on the shared purpose that we have in serving New Yorkers,” the newly elected mayor of New York City stated.
What in the world happened?
It makes sense that US lawmakers were as shocked as political pundits.
“What the heck just happened?” A video from the meeting was posted on social media by US Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan.
What the heck just happened? https://t.co/qWelWTvj1q
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) November 21, 2025
Furthermore, it wasn’t limited to Democrats.
Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican congresswoman from Staten Island, a conservative bastion, told The New York Times, “I mean, it did seem like a little bit of a bromance.”
Ana María Archila, co-director of New York’s Working Families Party, told NYT, “There is the possibility that maybe this means New York City is not going to get invaded by federal troops on Jan. 1.” Some even interpreted it as a sign that Trump’s threats to interfere with New York’s operations would not materialize.
Social media’s response
The internet had a field day, with jokes about Trump and Mamdani’s buddy moments flooding social media platforms, while others who were actively involved in politics were left speechless.
One social media user shared viral videos of the meeting, writing, “This is the closest Mamdani has come to pork.”
Another person wrote, “Find you someone who looks at you like Donald Trump looks at Zohran Mamdani.”
Others, meanwhile, made light of the idea that Trump would become a communist after meeting the incoming mayor of New York City.
