Source TOI
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a remarkable display of political theatre and an unexpected thaw in a highly acrimonious relationship, U.S. President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met at the White House on Friday, putting aside their history of trading insults to discuss the future of New York. The cordial meeting quickly went viral after a press interaction where a reporter directly confronted the two men with their past labels: “Fascist, jihadist next to each other?”
The Viral Exchange
The most explosive moments of the press briefing revolved around the ideologically opposed pair addressing the extreme rhetoric previously used against them.
When a reporter asked Mayor-elect Mamdani if he still believed President Trump was a “fascist,” the Democrat socialist mayor-elect barely began to reply before President Trump interjected with characteristic flair. Lightly patting Mamdani’s arm, Trump said, “That’s okay. You can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining. I don’t mind.”
The exchange was immediately followed by a reporter pressing President Trump on whether he was comfortable standing next to a “jihadist,” referencing a claim made by Republican leader Elise Stefanik against Mamdani during the mayoral campaign. Trump promptly shut down the accusation. “No, I don’t,” he stated firmly. “I met with a man who is a very rational person.”
Finding Common Ground on Affordability
Despite the fireworks, the primary focus of the Oval Office discussion was New York City’s most pressing issues. The two leaders, who have previously hurled insults—Trump calling Mamdani a “100% Communist lunatic” and Mamdani framing himself as “Donald Trump’s worst nightmare”—focused on affordability, housing, groceries, and rising utility costs—issues that were central to both their campaigns.
The shift in tone was palpable. Trump was notably warm, referring to the Mayor-elect as “Mr. Mayor” and expressing a strong desire for his success, emphasizing that it was “for the good of New York.” He even stepped in to defend Mamdani when a reporter questioned his flight to Washington, saying, “I’ll stick up for you.”
Mamdani’s team confirmed that the Mayor-elect initiated the meeting, stating his commitment to “work with anyone to make life more affordable” for the city’s residents. This surprising bipartisan dialogue signals a potential, albeit fragile, new chapter of cooperation between the White House and New York City Hall.
