In a surprising twist ahead of his historic inauguration, New York City's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani shared an unexpectedly warm meeting with former President Donald Trump, a detail revealed in a major profile just days before Mamdani takes office. The meeting, which contrasted sharply with their public political hostilities, highlighted Mamdani's personal charisma as he prepares for a unique midnight swearing-in ceremony at an abandoned subway station.
The Unforgettable Trump Encounter
According to a detailed profile by New York Magazine writer David Freedlander, the meeting between Mamdani and Trump on November 21 was marked by immediate and sustained cordiality. Freedlander reports that Trump's first reaction upon seeing Mamdani was to exclaim 'wow'. The former president allegedly told Mamdani, "You are even better looking in person than you are on TV," even before their formal discussions began.
This was not the first time Trump commented on Mamdani's appearance. Earlier, Trump had claimed he himself was better looking than the mayor-elect. However, during the November meeting, the friendly tone reportedly never shifted. Trump was legitimately impressed by Mamdani, and even shielded him from a potentially awkward moment when cameras arrived. In response to a reporter's question, Trump insisted it was fine for Mamdani to call him a fascist, at least for the time being.
Freedlander noted in his profile titled 'The Making of Mayor Mamdani' that the social media frenzy following this apparent Trump-Mamdani bromance was just another phase in the intense publicity blitz Mamdani launched after his election victory. The writer suggested that, for the moment, one of the biggest threats to Mamdani's success seemed to be contained by the mayor-elect's own considerable star power and personal appeal.
A Historic Midnight Inauguration
Zohran Mamdani is set to assume the office of New York City mayor in a highly symbolic ceremony. He will take the oath at the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2026, the moment the new year begins. The location chosen for this private oath is the historic and abandoned Old City Hall subway station, a site rich with New York history but closed to the public for decades.
The oath of office will be administered to Mamdani by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Following this private ceremony, a public inauguration event is scheduled for later on Inauguration Day. At 1 pm on January 1, Mamdani will be publicly sworn in by Senator Bernie Sanders on the steps of City Hall, after which he will deliver his inaugural address to the city.
Star Power and Political Strategy
The revelation of Mamdani's smooth interaction with Donald Trump, a figure from the opposite end of the political spectrum, underscores a key theme of his transition: the use of personal charisma and strategic visibility to navigate complex political waters. Freedlander's profile paints a picture of a politician who, despite his progressive platform, can engage with adversaries in a disarmingly personal manner.
This ability may prove crucial as Mamdani prepares to govern one of the world's most complex and divided cities. His decision to be sworn in at a historic subway station at midnight further emphasizes a commitment to symbolic gestures that resonate with New York's identity, blending tradition with a touch of theatricality. As the city watches, Mamdani's administration begins not just with policy plans, but with a narrative of unexpected connections and powerful imagery.
