The relationship between President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani shifted dramatically from open hostility to a pragmatic, surprisingly cordial working relationship.
Campaign hostility (2025)
During Mamdani’s 2025 mayoral campaign, Trump repeatedly attacked him as a “communist,” “100% Communist Lunatic,” and “total nut job.” He endorsed another candidate, threatened to withhold federal funding from New York, and made other aggressive statements. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, criticized Trump as a “fascist” and “despot.”
Pivot after the election
Their first face-to-face meeting on November 21, 2025, in the Oval Office was unexpectedly warm. Trump praised Mamdani, said “the better he does, the happier I am,” and indicated he would feel comfortable living in New York under Mamdani’s leadership. Both highlighted shared goals around affordability, housing, and public safety in Trump’s hometown. Trump even joked about past insults (including being called a fascist).
Ongoing cooperation
They have met at least three times since then, including a September 21, 2026 meeting at Gracie Mansion (the mayor’s residence). They remain in contact about practical issues, especially a major proposed housing development at Sunnyside Yard in Queens that would need federal involvement. Trump has publicly said he wants Mamdani to be a “great mayor” and that he has “great potential.” Mamdani has described the relationship as focused on delivering for New Yorkers despite many disagreements (particularly on immigration).
In short, the dynamic is driven more by practical interests in New York City’s success than by ideological alignment. It has drawn attention (and some skepticism) within Republican circles, including recent questions from Vice President JD Vance about whether Trump is being “soft” on Mamdani.
