What appeared to be a polite public interaction between New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and US President Donald Trump during their Oval Office meeting in November last year has, in fact, developed into an unexpectedly warm and ongoing channel of communication. According to reports by Axios and The New York Post, the two leaders have stayed in regular contact since that meeting, exchanging friendly text messages as often as twice a week.
Sources familiar with the exchanges described the relationship as an unlikely but pragmatic rapport between two politicians who understand the importance of cooperation. Conversations between the 34-year-old mayor and the 79-year-old president have reportedly ranged from discussions on the United States’ military operation that led to the ouster of Venezuela’s leftist President Nicolás Maduro to domestic governance issues such as zoning and development policies in New York City.
Insiders characterised the tone of the communication as cordial and informal, while also acknowledging the political sensitivities involved. One source told The New York Post that while the two clearly get along, they cannot afford to appear overly close in public. The same source added that it would be politically savvy for Mamdani to maintain a respectful relationship with Trump, particularly given the federal government’s power to withhold or release billions of dollars in funding crucial to New York City.
Regardless of the motivations behind this growing friendliness, Mamdani’s direct access to the White House marks a notable shift from the experiences of previous New York City mayors. His predecessor, Eric Adams, reportedly did not have the president’s personal contact information and was forced to communicate through intermediaries, highlighting how unusual Mamdani’s level of access is.
Despite the friendly dynamic, Mamdani has not refrained from openly criticising the Trump administration when he disagrees with its actions. He reportedly contacted the president directly to voice opposition to the US operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, demonstrating a willingness to challenge Trump even at the risk of straining their relationship. Speaking to The New York Times, Mamdani said that he and the president have always been frank with one another and that his responsibility is to speak honestly on behalf of New Yorkers, even when that means expressing disagreement.
Trump, for his part, appeared taken aback by the timing of the criticism. In a later interview with The New York Times, he said he was surprised that Mamdani chose to criticise him so soon after their meeting, noting that he had expected at least a brief grace period. Trump remarked that they had spoken many times and generally got along well, which made the swift criticism unexpected in his view.
Amid these political developments, Mamdani’s personal life has also seen a transition. Earlier this week, he and his wife, Rama Duwaji, moved into Gracie Mansion, the historic 18th-century residence that has served as the official home of New York City mayors since 1942, leaving behind their one-bedroom apartment as they settled into the role and responsibilities that come with leading the city.
