From ‘Communist lunatic’ to ‘very rational’: How Trump repeatedly defended Mamdani at Oval Office meeting

Trump, who had once labelled Mamdani a “100 per cent Communist Lunatic” and a “total nut job,” appeared far more conciliatory. The Mayor-elect, who had criticised Trump’s administration as “authoritarian” and called him a “fascist” during the campaign, was met instead with reassurances and encouragement.

Trump’s public defences of Mamdani

Throughout the session with the reporters, Trump frequently intervened to shield Mamdani from criticism or clarify questions. Some key moments included:

• On Mamdani calling him a fascist:
  “That’s okay… it’s easier than explaining it,” Trump said with a smile, as reported by CNN and the BBC.
• On being called a despot:
  “I’ve been called much worse than a despot,” he said, according to CNN and Reuters.
• On Mamdani flying instead of taking a ‘greener’ train:
  “I’ll stick up for you,” Trump told him, while telling reporters that it is a considerably longer drive, as per the BBC.
• On earlier threats to cut funding:
  “I expect to be helping him, not hurting him,” Trump said, the BBC reported.
• On Mamdani’s potential as mayor:
  “The better he does, the happier I am… If he could be a spectacular success, I’d be very happy. I’ll be cheering for him,” Trump said, as quoted by Reuters and PTI.
• On Islamophobic accusations:
  A reporter asked Trump whether he believed he had “a jihadist” standing next to him. Trump replied, “No, I don’t. I met with a man who was a very rational person,” Reuters reported.

Reporters also pressed them on policy differences, including Trump’s deportation efforts in New York. Downplaying the contrast, Trump said, as per CNN: “He doesn’t want to see crime, and I don’t want to see crime… I have very little doubt we’re going to get along on that issue.”

A sharp turn from Trump’s past attacks

The tone of the meeting stood in clear contrast to Trump’s earlier rhetoric. During the electoral campaign, Trump had repeatedly mocked Mamdani, whereas the latter held strong criticism of Trump’s policies on immigration and public safety.

According to PTI and the BBC, Trump had even suggested he could withhold federal funding from New York City if Mamdani became mayor. On Friday, however, the US President emphasised cooperation, telling reporters that Mamdani might “surprise some conservative people” with his leadership.

Also Read: Trump and Mamdani meet at White House in cordial encounter – 7 key takeaways

Analysts noted, as per Reuters, that Trump has a long-standing admiration for political “winners,” and that this may explain his unexpectedly protective tone.

What did Mamdani say?

Mamdani, for his part, remained composed during the interaction. He responded to the press, keeping to his campaign themes: affordability, housing, public safety. He did not offer any overt praise of Trump. 

“What I really appreciate about the president,” he said, “is that the meeting focused not on places of disagreement, which there are many, but on the shared purpose we have in serving New Yorkers,” according to PTI.

Mamdani has gone from a small-time rapper to social media star to a New York city politician. At 34, his political CV looks remarkable. He has charmed social media, especially Instagram, with what is called a “great political smile”, and has also run an effective campaign reaching out to the lowest common denominator on the streets of New York.

His win came amid growing frustration in New York over rising living costs, from housing to groceries, with his campaigns centred on affordability. When he assumes office on January 1, 2026, his performance will frame his political journey.