In a stunning political reversal that left Washington and the American public speechless, US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani transformed their bitter rivalry into an unexpected alliance during a historic Oval Office meeting on Friday.
From Political Enemies to Unlikely Allies
After months of trading harsh insults and clashing over everything from immigration to economic policy, the billionaire-turned-politician and the self-proclaimed democratic socialist appeared to strike up a genuine rapport. The meeting, which occurred in the run-up to New York's mayoral polls, saw both leaders swapping compliments instead of the anticipated political potshots.
In widely circulated videos from the Oval Office, Mamdani stood beside Trump as they jointly addressed media questions. The US President displayed a protective attitude toward the Mayor-elect, whom he had previously labeled a "100% Communist Lunatic" and "total nut job."
Remarkable Comments and Political Reversals
Trump surprised everyone with his positive assessment of Mamdani, telling reporters: "I think he is going to surprise some conservative people, actually." The President further elaborated, "We agree on a lot more than I would have thought. We have one thing in common: We want this city of ours that we love to do very well."
In an even more remarkable statement, Trump added, "Some of his ideas are the same ideas I have. The better he does, the happier I am." This represented a complete turnaround from their previous hostile relationship.
The Fascist Comment and Trump's Unexpected Defense
The most baffling moment for political analysts came when reporters asked Mamdani to clarify his past statements describing Trump as acting like a fascist. Before the Mayor-elect could respond, Trump interjected with remarkable composure.
"I've been called much worse than a despot. So it's not that insulting, but I think he'll change his mind after we get to working together," the President said.
When reporters persisted, Trump again defended Mamdani: "That's OK. You can just say yes. OK? It's easier. It's easier than explaining it. I don't mind." He then assured the NYC Mayor-elect, "I'll stick up for you."
Trump also dismissed suggestions that Mamdani was a jihadist, instead describing him as "a very rational person." The President even indicated he would consider moving back to New York City, which Mamdani will lead starting January 1.
Political Reactions and Social Media Frenzy
The unexpected warmth between former bitter rivals left US lawmakers and political commentators stunned. US Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan, captured the general sentiment with her social media post: "What the heck just happened?"
Republican Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis from Staten Island told The New York Times, "I mean, it did seem like a little bit of a bromance."
Social media platforms exploded with reactions and memes about the surprising buddy moments between Trump and Mamdani. One user joked, "This is the closest Mamdani has come to pork," while another wrote, "Find you somebody who looks at you like Donald Trump looks at Zohran Mamdani."
Some observers even speculated that this new relationship might mean Trump's previous threats about federal intervention in New York's affairs might not materialize. Ana María Archila, co-director of New York's Working Families Party, noted, "There is the possibility that maybe this means New York City is not going to get invaded by federal troops on Jan. 1."
Mamdani himself acknowledged the meeting exceeded his expectations, stating he appreciated that the discussion focused on "shared purpose in serving New Yorkers" rather than their many disagreements.
