‘A very rational person’: Trump and Mamdani strike unlikely rapport after months of insults

WASHINGTON (MNTV) — After months of trading insults, U.S. President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met at the White House on Friday in an unexpectedly warm encounter that both men said centered on tackling New York’s deepening affordability crisis.

Trump, who had previously branded Mamdani a “communist” and threatened to cut federal funding if he won, described the mayor-elect as “a very rational person” who wants “to see New York be great again.”

Mamdani, who once called Trump a “fascist” and criticized his administration’s role in “endless wars,” said the conversation focused on shared responsibilities rather than disagreements.

“We spoke about rent, groceries, utilities — the different ways people are being pushed out,” Mamdani said. Trump added: “Some of his ideas are the same ideas I have. The better he does, the happier I am.”

Mamdani, 34, who will be New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, emphasized to Trump that many New Yorkers — including voters who supported both men — want tax dollars redirected from foreign wars to domestic needs.

“People were tired of seeing our tax dollars fund endless wars,” he said, noting the city is in its ninth year with over 100,000 homeless schoolchildren.

Asked about his past statement that the U.S. is funding “Israel’s genocide in Gaza,” Mamdani said he stood by his criticism of Washington’s role.

He stressed that many New Yorkers want federal spending to ensure “basic dignity” at home.

Despite their ideological gulf, the meeting was marked by moments of levity. When Mamdani was asked if he still believed Trump was a fascist, Trump interjected: “You can just say ‘yes.’ It’s easier than explaining it,” drawing laughter. “I’ve been called much worse,” he added.

Trump also dismissed Islamophobic suggestions from reporters that Mamdani was a “jihadist,” responding, “No, I don’t,” and vouching for his rationality.

The two leaders did not announce policy commitments but signaled a new working relationship on crime reduction, affordable housing, and cost-of-living relief.

Trump, who once warned Mamdani’s victory would be disastrous, said he was “surprised” by the meeting and even joked he might consider moving back to New York “especially after the meeting.”

Their unexpectedly friendly rapport left some politicians stunned.

“What the heck just happened?” Representative Rashida Tlaib posted on social media.

Mamdani takes office on January 1 after defeating Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa on a progressive platform promising rent freezes, free buses and childcare, and expanded social services.