The two New York-based leaders stunned many with their warm interactions during theirOval Officeencounter late last year, which was widely covered as a surprisingly cooperative exchange between a Democratic Socialist mayor and a Republican president. Since then, insiders say Trump and Mamdani have maintained regular“friendly” texting, discussing topics that range from national affairs to issues affecting New York City.
One source noted that while neither side wants to appear too close publicly, their direct communication marks a significant departure from past relationships between U.S. presidents and New York mayors — even outpacing the access Mamdani’s predecessor, Eric Adams, had with Trump.
Political observers suggest that the dialogue, though surprising given Mamdani’s earlier criticism of Trump’s policies, may bepragmatic— a way for the mayor to secure federal engagement and resources for New York while also maintaining his political independence. Mamdani has publicly criticised aspects of Trump’s presidency, including his administration’s capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, showing he’s willing to disagree with Trump even amid cordial communications.
In response to such criticism, Trump has expressed some surprise — saying he expected the mayor to wait longer before publicly commenting on federal actions — but continues to speak positively of their relationship.
The emergence of these friendly exchanges underscores a political dynamic wherepersonal lines of communication cross entrenched ideological boundaries, even between leaders who have traded sharp public barbs in the past. Whether this rapport leads to substantive policy collaboration, or remains a strategic dialogue, remains a topic of interest for political watchers.
This follows their well-noted Oval Office meeting in November, which was described as unusually cooperative given their previous sharp rhetoric toward one another.
