By Jenna SundelShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberMAGA social media users shared reactions following President Donald Trump’s meeting with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on Friday.
Trump and Mamdani said they spoke about their shared goals to help New York City during the meeting, with the president telling reporters that he was surprised by their “great” exchange.
“I think he is going to surprise some conservative people, actually,” Trump said.
Mamdani had previously called himself “Donald Trump’s worst nightmare,” and Trump had called Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic” and “total nut job.”
...“Johnny MAGA,” who has about 265,000 followers on X, called it an “incredible moment in the Oval as Trump extends the olive branch to Zohran.”
“MAGA Voice,” with around 1.3 million followers on X, said the president “has Zohran Mamdani shaking his head yes the whole time,” adding, “This was such a power move by President Trump.”
User “MJTruthUltra,” who has about 597,200 followers on X, said, “Trump and Mamdani exchange niceties and talk about their ‘mutual respect' they have for one another I wasn’t expecting this… you?”
“DogRightGirl,” with about 346,900 followers on X, said, “Trump is in complete control and relaxed. Mamdani is out of his league and nervous.”
Why It Matters
Trump had repeatedly called Mamdani a “communist.” Before the New York City mayoral election, the president said on social media that if Mamdani were to win, "it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required."
Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Trump voiced support for Cuomo the day before the election on social media.
New York's mayor-elect directly addressed the president in his victory speech earlier this month, saying, “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up.”
"If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him,” Mamdani said in the speech.
What To Know
Mamdani also reacted positively to the meeting: “What I really appreciate about the president is that the meeting that we had focused not on places of disagreement, which there are many, and also focused on the shared purpose that we have in serving New Yorkers.”
When reporters asked Trump about past statements indicating that Mamdani thought the president was acting like a fascist, Trump said, “I’ve been called much worse than a despot.”
The president also interjected after Mamdani was asked if he stood by his comments that Trump is a fascist, saying, “That’s OK. You can just say yes. OK? It’s easier. It’s easier than explaining it. I don’t mind.”
What People Are Saying
Trump, to reporters on Friday: “We’re going to be helping him to make everybody’s dream come true, having a strong and very safe New York.”
Mamdani, also to reporters on Friday: “It was a productive meeting focused on a place of shared admiration and love, which is New York City and the need to deliver affordability to New Yorkers.”
What Happens Next
Mamdani will take office on New Year's Day.
Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact [email protected].
Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines
Add Newsweek as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Recommended For You
PoliticsTrump Admin Gives Mass Migration Warning to US Allies: ‘Existential Threat’1 min read
NewsAmazon Recall: Threat-To-Life Warning Issued For Items Pulled Nationwide4 min read
NewsSouthwest Airlines Makes Changes To Boarding, Seating4 min read
NewsSNAP Benefits Update: 9 States Could Face New Restrictions3 min read
NewsVeterans Set For $272M Boost3 min read
WorldUS Gives Ukraine One Week to Back Peace Deal or Risk Losing Weapons: Report3 min readRelated Podcasts
Top Stories
NewsDonald Trump’s Redistricting Gamble is Backfiring4 min read
NewsUncommon Knowledge: Mamdani vs. Trump: Who Will Win the Oval Office Showdown?7 min read
WorldTrump Sets Thanksgiving Deadline for Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal: Live Updates1 min read
PoliticsGhislaine Maxwell House Oversight Testimony Update Issued by James Comer3 min read
NewsSupreme Court Weighs Decision on Birthright Citizenship: What To Know4 min read
PoliticsDemocrats Keep Face Planting After Wins7 min readTrending
NursesNursing Is No Longer Counted as a ‘Professional Degree’ by Trump Admin7 min read
Higher EducationFull List of Degrees Not Classed As ‘Professional’ by Trump Admin8 min read
Donald TrumpDonald Trump Faces Articles of Impeachment Before Christmas3 min read
Zohran MamdaniFact Check: Is Mamdani Introducing Arabic Numerals To New York Schools?3 min read
SNAP benefitsSNAP Benefits To Change From December: What to Know4 min readOpinion
OpinionLatinos Catch the Fish. Why Aren’t They at the Decision-Making Table? | Opinion5 min read
OpinionWhy Is the US Punishing Legal Immigrants? | Opinion5 min read
OpinionWhat Is an American?6 min read
OpinionConventional Wisdom: MAGA Infighting Edition2 min read
OpinionNFL Players Show We Can All Solve America’s Problems | Opinion5 min read
