The Odd Couple: Inside Trump and Mamdani's Unlikely Bromance"

The Outsider's take

Despite bitter campaign rhetoric, Trump called Mamdani a "communist lunatic" and threatened to arrest him; Mamdani calls Trump a fascist — the two have built a surprisingly cordial working relationship since their first Oval Office meeting in November 2025, bonding over shared New York roots and overlapping goals like lower rents and less crime.

Mamdani describes it as "honest, direct and productive," and has used the access practically (e.g., securing the release of a detained ICE student). Tensions still surface publicly, but they are meeting again today at Gracie Mansion, New York.

Trump has a pattern of warming to people after decisive wins, and he did praise Mamdani's "incredible race," beating rivals "easily" despite Trump backing Cuomo against him.

But it's probably not the whole story — shared New York roots and a transactional need (Trump wants a workable relationship with NYC's mayor; Mamdani wants direct access to the White House) likely matter just as much.