The US political scene was filled with another unusual event on November 21st. In the White House, a conversation took place between President Donald Trump and New York's newly elected mayor, Zahran Mamdani, in an unexpectedly warm and even friendly atmosphere.
Before this meeting, many journalists, recalling the harsh criticism directed at each other by the two politicians in the past, thought that the meeting would be marked by heated debates. But the situation in the Oval Office was completely opposite - peaceful, sincere, and even mutually defensive speeches.
An enemy before, a friendly companion today?
Everyone remembers that Trump previously called Mamdani a "communist madman," and Mamdani called the presidential administration "authoritarian." Nevertheless, the 45-minute conversation at the White House took place in a completely different atmosphere.
Mamdani took a tour of the Western Department, even taking a photo with the President in front of a portrait of Franklin Roosevelt. Trump's advisors emphasized that the president had made serious psychological preparations several days in advance for the meeting to go well and had been expressing only positive opinions about Mamdani to others for two days.
The Associated Press noted that this meeting was beneficial for both sides: Mamdani had the opportunity to speak face-to-face with the most powerful US figure, while Trump found an opportunity to show voters a clear position in the information space regarding housing prices, utilities, and inflation.
What issues were discussed?
The two politicians mainly exchanged views on the following issues:
- housing pricing and pricing policy;
- cost of food and utilities;
- inflation and its impact on voter sentiment.
Many were surprised that Trump even defended Mamdani on certain issues. For example, when journalists asked Mamdani, "You previously called Trump authoritarian, is this opinion correct?"
"I was called even harsher. It's not that difficult."
Even when another journalist criticized Mamdani for "arriving by plane instead of using less fuel-efficient transport," Trump responded in her place:
"This road is long, the plane is the right choice. I will protect him."
Trump also defended Mamdani against accusations of Islamophobia
According to Reuters, Trump even defended Mamdani, who will become New York's first Muslim mayor, from some Islamophobic questions.
When a journalist asked Trump, "So, the person standing next to you is a jihadist?"
"No, he is not a jihadist. "I met a rational, thoughtful, selfless person who worked wholeheartedly for the prosperity of New York," he said.
New page between "Old rivals"
The "healthy competition" between Mamdani and Trump lasted for several years. During the election, Trump made strong statements against Mamdani, even expressing doubts about his citizenship. Mamda called the candidate supported by Trump a "doll" and described herself as "Trump's worst nightmare."
Nevertheless, at the meeting in the White House, they both smiled when asked about all the criticisms of the past. Trump even expressed support for Mamdani's return to the capital to work on new ideas.
According to the New York Times, time will tell whether this warmth will last. The situation could change rapidly, especially if criticism of Mamdani becomes politically beneficial for Trump.
Conclusion
This meeting at the White House demonstrated a new political climate in the US, a window for dialogue between rivals. Mamdani said he was trying to make his city cheaper, more convenient, and safer. Trump expressed his readiness to support these efforts.
On the political stage, experienced opponents don't become friends overnight, but the situation on November 21st is a vivid example of how relationships can change.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
Users of Меҳмон are not allowed to comment this publication.
