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Both supporters of left-leaning America and Maga supporters were gathered ready to observe their champions do battle. After all, Trump had before described Mamdani as a “100% Communist Lunatic” and “complete eccentric”. The incoming progressive New York mayor had in turn branded the conservative US president a “despot” and “fascist”.

However those hoping to see physical confrontation and tempers flare in the Oval Office were facing a surprise. Donald Trump, 79, and thirty-four-year-old Zohran Mamdani actually got on very amicably. In fact pleasantly, confusingly, bizarrely well. Instead of Batman v Superman, this was childlike camaraderie friends like old pals.

Maybe the conventional progressive against traditional divisions are truly obsolete. This was a case of talent acknowledging talent – of leaders respecting leaders.

Trump is now on far more positive terms with Zohran Mamdani than with Marjorie Taylor Greene. The incoming mayor received a warmer greeting from Trump than from the representatives of his own party – a world radically changed.

The Friendly Tale Starts

This amicable meeting commenced with Trump seated behind the presidential desk and Mamdani standing to his right, a sculpture of the first president behind him. “There is one thing in common – we wish New York of ours that we value to do very well,” the chief executive remarked, referring to the city.

The President added: “I believe you’re going to have hopefully a really great city leader. The better he performs – the more pleased I will be. I must note there’s no difference in party, we agree in any aspect, and we plan to assisting Mamdani to enable all aspiration come true, having a strong and extremely secure the city.”

The audible thud was the result of White House journalists’ mouths dropping to the floor of the presidential office. The shredding commotion was the result of Republican strategists discarding their strategy to demonise the mayor-elect as the radical representative of the Democrats.

The Connection Continues

This connection – as surprising as Trump laughing and joking with Barack Obama at former President Carter's memorial service – proceeded with numerous friendly gestures. The mayor-elect, who will be the pioneering chief executive of NYC and once announced himself “Trump's ultimate opponent”, reported: “Our discussion proved a productive meeting concentrating on a place of mutual admiration and care, which is the city, and the need to ensure affordability to New Yorkers.”

After journalists commenced raising questions, Trump acknowledged that Zohran has opinions that are “out there” but forecast he is “moderate” and “may shock” various conservative people, truly”.

Shared Ground

Both men noted that several Zohran's constituents had even supported the President. The democratic socialist stated it was because of “financial challenges” – and he expressed hope to achieving with the chief executive on “financial support”. Donald Trump admitted: “Several of Zohran's concepts really are the same thoughts that I possess.”

Therefore when Zohran was asked about his earlier description of Donald Trump as a despot with a dictatorial agenda, the mayor artfully turned from topics of disagreement back to affordability. Trump then commented: “Additionally I have been labelled far more extreme than a autocrat, so it's hardly offensive.”

Which labels would be considered an insult nowadays? Totalitarian? Autocrat? Dictator? Führer? When a Fox News reporter asked if Zohran supported his comments that Donald Trump is a authoritarian, the President interjected before the mayor could entirely respond to the point.

“No problem. You can just say in agreement. Alright?” Trump stated, tapping the mayor-elect affectionately on the shoulder. “It’s easier … than elaborating. It doesn't bother me.”

Cute – but historians may argue that a American president casually shrugging off the description authoritarian was not a proud moment in the history of the nation.

Defending for the Mayor-Elect

Trump jumped in a second time when a journalist inquired the mayor-elect why he flew to the capital instead of taking a train, which consumes fewer carbon emissions. “I’ll stick up for you,” the president declared, before explaining air travel was more efficient and Zohran was occupied.

And when a reporter questioned about conservative lawmaker Elise Stefanik, a staunch supporter seeking the state's top office having labelled Zohran “a jihadist”, the leader said he disagreed, referring to the mayor “quite reasonable”.

It's easy to picture Stefanik being contacted for a statement and saying, “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

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