Journalism of Courage
Trump Mamdani meeting: A small group of protesters gathered outside the White House on Friday. Among them was a woman chanting “let’s go Zohran!” as New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met US President Donald Trump inside the Oval Office, according to the BBC. They had no idea how warm the atmosphere inside had become.
Trump, who had previously traded barbs with Mamdani, repeatedly stepped in to defend him, often before Mamdani could answer. In an interaction with the press right after their meeting, the president was full of praises for the mayor-elect.
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.
Throughout the session with the reporters, Trump frequently intervened to shield Mamdani from criticism or clarify questions. Some key moments included:
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.”
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.
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.
