What a scene in the Oval Office. After months of President Trump calling Mamdani a Communist and Mamdani calling Trump a fascist, the two of them suddenly smiling for cameras looked like some kind of political odd-couple reunion special. Washington lives for drama, but even by its standards this one felt like someone flipped the script halfway through the season.
Here is the thing people always forget. President Trump has a habit of dragging the spotlight right onto anyone he does not trust. Fauci, Birx, half of Washington, you name it. So when he invites someone he has roasted for months into the Oval Office for what he calls a productive chat, it is not softness. It is strategy. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, and keep both of them guessing.
The transcript made the whole scene even better. President Trump opened by praising Mamdani’s campaign, saying he ran “an incredible race” and beat “a lot of smart people.” That is classic Trump, tossing out compliments with a grin while still reminding everyone that he is the one in the big chair. Then he went straight into housing, prices, oil and Walmart bragging about Thanksgiving being cheaper this year. He tied every point right back to New York, making it clear he sees himself as the guy who can fix anything for anybody.
Reporters also did their usual circus act. One asked Mamdani if he still thinks President Trump is a fascist. Trump jumped in with “You can just say yes, sir. It’s easier.” That line alone deserves its own highlight reel. Mamdani tried to give a diplomatic answer about focusing on shared goals and the cost of living crisis, which is political-speak for I am not repeating what I said, but I am also not taking it back.
Then came the part that had people raising eyebrows. President Trump said he would feel comfortable living in New York City under a Mamdani administration. For a guy who never hides his opinions, that was unexpectedly gracious. Maybe he meant it. Maybe it was a power move. Maybe it was both.
And of course the train question. Someone actually grilled Mamdani on why he did not take a train to Washington. President Trump jumped in to defend him, pointing out that flying is faster and the man is working hard. It felt like watching a teacher step in before a student gets bullied too much.
The whole exchange wrapped with Mamdani promising to crack down on antisemitism in the city. Everyone agrees safety matters, but New York politicians love acting like they alone are standing guard at the gates of civilization. The real work is keeping the city affordable, safe and functional, and if these two can cooperate on even a fraction of that, New Yorkers might finally get something out of all this political theater.
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