President Trump seems to feel confident in his developing relationship with Zoran Mamdani, based on insights from someone linked to last week’s unusual meeting in the Oval Office. The key factor? Money.
On Friday, President Trump raised eyebrows by labeling the New York mayor-elect as a “reasonable man” with the potential to achieve great things for New York. This is quite a contrast from his earlier remarks, when he dismissed Mamdani as a “100% communist lunatic,” criticizing his views on taxes, policing, and Israel, and avoiding condemnation of his statements about “globalizing the intifada.”
Mamdani, who previously referred to Trump as a “fascist” and “tyrant,” spoke about a “common purpose” shared between them.
To grasp the odd dynamics of this meeting, it’s important to note that a New York business figure close to Trump facilitated the get-together. Trump perceives an opportunity to engage in a long-term strategy with Mamdani, who holds leftist views, benefiting both the city’s interests and his own objectives, particularly regarding deportation policies, as reported.
This meeting seems to have been prompted by outreach from a senior member of Mamdani’s team.
A message from Mamdani’s transition team indicated that the mayor-elect, who had challenged Trump to “turn up the volume” on election night, is now seeking to mend fences.
Officials connected to Mamdani have suggested that the newly elected mayor realizes he requires support from the White House to meet his ambitious spending commitments and maintain the city’s budget, which is legally mandated.
It appears Mamdani was informed about the $7.5 billion in federal aid that New York receives annually—funds pivotal to his socialist policies, which could be limited by the president.
“He’s staring down a $17 billion budget deficit in the next fiscal year due to the extensive free services he’s proposing,” remarked a city business leader involved in coordinating the event and advising Trump to attend. “Even if Governor (Kathy) Hochul consents to hike taxes, he’s still facing a significant financial shortfall. He needs Trump, and Trump is well aware of it.”
“Trump is currently in a strong position,” the source added. “However, if Mamdani resists deportations, defunds the police, or fully embraces communism, Trump is prepared to respond decisively.”
The White House has not provided immediate commentary, and Mamdani’s spokesperson also refrained from commenting.
Trump holds an advantage partly because mayors are legally obligated to maintain balanced budgets. This, according to the business leader, means Trump has little to lose by extending an olive branch, even to a self-identified socialist with progressive cultural ideas.
However, don’t expect a consistently smooth relationship moving forward. Trump still views Mamdani with a fair amount of skepticism. Mayors often secure funds intended to bolster socialist economic and cultural policies in cities where the president’s real estate interests remain significant.
Over the weekend, Mamdani appeared on a talk show and didn’t shy away from his previous criticisms of Trump as a “fascist” and “tyrant.”
In the days leading up to their meeting, Mamdani reportedly agreed to avoid antagonizing Trump and to keep discussions focused on addressing the city’s affordability issues.
“I appreciate that we had a meeting centered on not just our differences but also our shared goal of serving New Yorkers,” Mamdani remarked on Trump’s commitment.
New York City is anticipating a budget gap of up to $8 billion for the coming fiscal year. When considering Mamdani’s proposals for free transportation, increased housing expenditure, and support for transgender care, some projections suggest the deficit could surge to $17 billion.
Mamdani advocates for elevated taxes on individuals making over $1 million, alongside a substantial rise in corporate tax rates. Both measures would need approval from Governor Hochul and the state Legislature.
Hochul seems supportive of Mamdani’s aspirations, but New York must conclude the fiscal year without a deficit, and higher taxes could push many affluent residents to relocate, a trend seen over the last decade.
This ongoing situation might prompt Mamdani to pay more attention to Trump and his policy ambitions. Some observers say that’s happening already, pointing to Mamdani’s decision to reappoint a tough NYPD Commissioner. He’s also recently backed House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) for re-election over a candidate favored by the Democratic Socialists of America.
“Trump is not concerned about Mamdani,” said another business leader. “We have a contingency plan if things go awry.”
