Trump, Mamdani strike unexpectedly warm tone in Oval Office meeting

New Delhi, Nov 22: New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s first visit to the Oval Office on Friday took an unexpected turn, as he and President Donald Trump struck a noticeably cordial tone despite weeks of political sparring, CNN reported. When Mamdani was asked whether he believed the president was a fascist, Trump stepped in before he could answer. “That’s OK – you can just say yes. That’s easier. It’s easier than explaining,” Trump joked as he lightly tapped Mamdani on the arm, according to CNN.

Despite sharp disagreements during the mayoral campaign, both leaders described their conversation as productive, even friendly. “The better he does, the happier I am,” Trump said, adding that he would be open to living in Mamdani’s New York City after the meeting. “We agree on a lot more than I really thought,” he said, reports CNN.

During the campaign, Trump had supported former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent over his own party’s nominee, in an attempt to defeat Mamdani. He had also threatened to cut federal funding, deploy the National Guard and even arrest the mayor-elect, whom he repeatedly labelled a “communist.” Mamdani has denied the charge.

On Friday, however, Trump signalled respect for Mamdani’s decisive victory, over 50% of the vote,  and his focus on working-class issues and affordability in the city. With a recent Fox News poll showing 76% of voters unhappy with the economy, CNN noted that Trump may benefit politically from aligning with those concerns. Mamdani, for his part, has reason to maintain strong federal ties: New York City’s 2026 budget relies on more than $7 billion in federal funding, according to the state comptroller. The two also found common ground on energy costs, public safety and even aspects of Middle East policy, though differences remain over immigration and the Israel–Hamas conflict.

Stagecraft was notable as well. Trump remained seated behind the Oval Office desk while Mamdani stood beside him. Yet the smiles were evident, and at one point, Trump even defended him over criticism from GOP ally Rep. Elise Stefanik, who had called Mamdani a “jihadist.” Trump responded that campaign rhetoric can be heated and described the mayor-elect as “a very rational person… who wants to see New York be great again.”  The meeting, Mamdani said, was rooted in “shared admiration and love… for New York City.” Trump struck a similar tone, expressing confidence in the new mayor-elect: “I think he is going to surprise some conservative people, actually.”