OPINION | SECTION
The controversial meeting of the century between two political titans went off without a hitch.
Long-Form Journalism
The meeting with President Donald J. Trump and mayor-elect Zohran Kwame Mamdani—now mayor of what is often considered the second most difficult job in America (after the president)—has ended. I am reexamining the power dynamics that took place during the meeting to determine the possible future for New York City in the hands of two headstrong, policy-aggressive adversaries. Both leaders have highly different viewpoints and policies aimed at how NYC and its’ 8.4 million residents should function.
Opinion story by Bruce T. Osborne, Sr.
January 12, 2026 | 1 day ago
The long-anticipated meeting between President Donald J. Trump and New York’s mayor-elect, Zohran Kwame Mamdani, came and went well over a month ago. The meeting was billed as a political collision between two strong political figures who represent profoundly different visions for the city of “New York”, America, and the world.
The long-intense brewing between the political ideologues invites an assessment of how these contrasting personalities and power brokers might find common ground—or fail entirely to do so. Especially, now that Mayor-elect Mamdani has crossed-over on January 1, 2026 to New York City’s 112th Mayor, amid much hope, fanfare, and excitement that surrounds Mayor Mamdani and his socialist agenda for public safety, housing, and affordability.
While, on the other hand, Trump’s ignominious authority, is losing Republican leadership and MAGA support, resulting from the current state of the economy and other broken promises by the Trump administration.
Many political and business leaders, as well as members of New York City’s residential community have offered commentary on Mamdani’s political upset. The main topics focused on his progressive platform and status as the youngest mayor of New York City since 1892, as well as Mamdani being the first “Muslim and South Asian American and socialist” to serve in this position.
The discussions centered around Mamdani’s age, experience, and how his cultural influence will impact his performance on the job—especially his untested socialist agenda. Many are concerned with how suitable it would be for New York and what effect it would have on the residents and business community?
Case in point, Mayor Mamdani’s plan on the surface sounds great: affordable living and economic prosperity for all. However, when you look at other countries that have tried the socialist approach, it did not end well.
Take Venezuela for example. Under the leadership of Hugo Chávez and later Nicolás Maduro, the government, similar to New York’s Mayor today, had pursued socialist policies that significantly undermined the private venture capital community. With extensive nationalizations, price controls, and the government’s reckless spending patterns—intended to promote fairness and equity—led many corporations to shut down or to relocate… eroding the economy.
As a direct result of their misguided plan, the private industry sector in Venezuela collapsed. The country became dependent on its’ oil exports for survival, which ultimately declined, and led to widespread corruption and underinvestment. This combination of factors led to a negative snowball effect in the country’s independent checks and balances systems, along with severe damage to public safety, economic stability, housing, basic services, and the transit infrastructure.
And yes, while New York and its new leadership under Mayor Mamdani is not Venezuela, the comparison serves as a warning that policies which discourage private business investment, and place total economic control in government hands can most certainly weaken or destroy a city’s economy base as it did in Venezuela, Cuba, Soviet Union (USSR), North Korea, and others.
Subsequently, the looming question is what will Zohran Mamdani’s administration do differently to curtail this, assumed, monumental earthquake from happening to New York City and its’ residents? Furthermore, will the current President Donald Trump help or cause significant problems for Mamdani’s efforts to bring public safety, low-cost housing, and affordability to all New Yorkers under his socialist agenda?
Who really had the most leverage in the first White House meeting—which political strongman won the day?
Before beginning my personal critique of the two most questionable political personalities in America, I will first provide some background on both adversaries, starting with the current President Donald J. Trump and then Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani.
President Donald J. Trump
A conning, pompous, and ruthless political operator, President Trump is portrayed as an old, conning authoritarian—wise in experience, powerful in resources, yet wicked in intent—who relishes crushing adversaries and dismantling anyone he sees as a threat to his authority, policies, or administration. He is a leader with no filter, or emotional connection to anyone other than his own ambition, image, or personal gain.
THE TRUMP EFFECT
To start, I turn to Trump, the self-styled dealmaker. The Trump influence was shaped by both his father, Fred Trump—a tough, rugged, disciplined, and competitive businessman. Fred instilled in Donald early on a winner-take-all attitude. He taught him to be ruthless, aggressive, and uncompromising in pursuit of his goals, and to not linger on other people’s feelings when attempting to achieve success.
Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, focused her influence on encouraging Donald to be a showman—to do everything with perfection and style, big, dramatic, and grand… much like the American filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, the creator of blockbuster films such as “The Ten Commandments (1956) and The Greatest Show on Earth (1952).” This is where Trump began his fascination with high-profile luxury brands, and where he developed a strong social acumen.
Donald J. Trump is a complicated figure who prides himself on injecting mystery into nearly every decision he makes—whether in business, personal relationships, or politics. For Trump, surprise is a strategic tool, one that keeps both detractors and loyalists perpetually disoriented.
Trump is a political chameleon, capable of shifting narratives quickly and without hesitation. His motivations are deeply
independent, supported by a network of allies—comprised of his MAGA supporters—that spans government, businesses, social circles, and everyday communities. These connections help him navigate—and influence—his expansive political landscape.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani is charismatic and empathetically aligned with New York City’s disenfranchised and diverse communities and struggling people worldwide. He presents himself as calm and caring, as he is. But, when one gets in the way of his mission, he transforms from the “lamb to the wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Mamdani is a highly educated strategist, skilled in people-to-people communications as well as political warfare. He is willing to do whatever it takes to advance his socialist affordability agenda for New Yorkers and in bringing people of all walks of life together.
MAMDANI’S CHARM
Zohran Kwame Mamdani—a sheep in wolf’s clothing—by contrast—presents himself as youthful, energetic, empathetic, and mission-driven: Clearly focused on getting positive results from each action he unfolds for New Yorkers. He seeks not only to address New York City’s internal challenges but also to prioritize humanitarian relief and stop senseless wars worldwide. His worldview appears shaped by his parents—father, Mahmood Mamdani and mother, Mira Nair. His father, a professor of anthropology and political science at Columbia University, is known for his work on colonialism in the African diaspora and human rights.
Mamdani’s mother influenced him in an artistic way; Mira is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker whose storytelling efforts shine a light on members of society, not commonly seen in mainstream media. The two spark insight into the intellectual lineage concerned with marginalized people throughout the African diaspora and disenfranchised people everywhere.
Highly educated and politically agile, Mamdani has learned how to operate effectively within the spheres of New York and Washington, D.C.’s political circles and how to negotiate and win over staunch power brokers. During his meeting with Trump, he purposely avoided outshining the president—which is a refined political skill that makes those above you feel unthreatened. But one should not be deceived: individuals like Mamdani rarely lose sight of their objectives. For him, the goal is clear; safety and affordability for New Yorkers struggling with rising prices, crime, and food insecurity.
MEETING ASSESSMENT BETWEEN AMERICA’S TITANS
Will the seemingly established friendship between the politically opposite titans endure? Keeping in mind the old adage, “Politics makes for strange bedfellows”—bringing together people and ideologies of different views or interest for the better good of humanity. In this article, I attempt to decide on who won the first round of this unusual partnership which came together during the Washington DC’s meeting on November 21, 2025.
In the initial encounter during the White House meeting, which of these crafty politicians won the day? It’s difficult to know after only one meeting, but I will try. From the onset, one thing is certain: Trump cannot be counted on for long-term loyalty or an amicable partnership, particularly with someone ideologically opposed to him—like Mamdani, a self-described socialist.
“When Trump takes aim at someone he dislikes, he can appear quite charming at times but know he does not forget. Like a tiger, he waits for the precise moment to pounce, destroying his adversary permanently.”
During their press conference, Trump praised Mamdani as a potentially great mayor—bold and an exciting pick for New York City—despite all the vitriol he directed toward Mamdani personally and his socialist policies. The about face was comforting and assuring, but one must know Trump gave similar welcoming statements about President Barack Obama (as recorded in his 2009 miniature book edition of Donald J. Trump’s “Think Like a Champion”). A book I purchased after I met him.
Yet the admiration Trump had for President Barack Obama’s’ achievements did not last. What followed was the familiar “chameleon reptile at work”. Trump pivoted, aggressively attacking Barack Obama’s presidency as being filled with incompetency and weak administrative policies: Causing him to dismantle Obama’s accomplishments once he stepped into the Oval Office. As a point of reference to Trump’s chameleon style of saying one thing and doing another, in the book “Think like a Champion”, he wrote:
“Barack will need to be a great president because we’re in serious trouble in this country. It hasn’t been this way since 1929. So, he doesn’t have much choice, he will simply have to be great, which he has a very good chance of being.
What he has done is amazing. The fact that he accomplished what he has—in one year and against great odds—is truly phenomenal. If someone had asked me if a black man or woman could become president, I would have said yes, but not yet.
Barack Obama proved that determination combined with opportunity and intelligence can make things happen—and in an exceptional way.
The world is excited about Barack Obama and the new United States. Let’s keep it that way.” — Donald J. Trump.
Trump, the chameleon styled reptile, turned on a dime, as he continues his focused and relentless effort to eliminate Obamacare—also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). A program that expands health coverage to millions.
And yes, Obamacare has some problems, but to scrap the whole program without a viable replacement is reckless governance masquerading as strategy. It’s a move that would leave millions of American people with chronic illnesses, and low-income workers, parents, and young adults—suddenly vulnerable and tossed back into a system where coverage was often inaccessible or unaffordable.
Reforming the ACA is one thing; obliterating it with no viable alternative is another. It risks turning political posturing into real-world harm for families who depend on the stability it provides. In some cases, it will mean death to those with no viable alternatives of support. Many of those individuals reside in New York City, now under the leadership of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who promised his constituents affordability and safety.
Trump’s administration began the reckless governance of ACA by reducing personnel within the Department of Health and Human Services, though he was unable to fully dismantle the program. Still, he vows to eliminate it in his second term without having a viable alternative.
This history should make clear Trump’s unstable pattern toward working with others, whether rivals or teammates on special projects, or supporting someone else’s successes. For trump, the deal maker, it is a dubious proposition that must be destroyed and remade by him and him only!
It is reasonable to suspect, after his charming display of warmth towards Mamdani in the White House meeting, that he may ultimately treat Mamdani with the same disdain, strategic and petti hostility that he continues to direct towards former President Barack Obama: Despite the earlier facade of mutual respect.
It is believed Trump will attempt to keep Mamdani dependent on the White House, while simultaneously positioning himself and his royal dynasty comprised of family, techno oligarchs, business and political partners, in a scheme to profit from a NYC business arrangement. Perhaps through direct involvement in an affordable housing construction project, or through a future planned republican takeover in the next New York City’s mayor’s race. This, of course, is speculation but not beyond imagination.
During the White House meeting between Trump and mayor-elect—now Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the president repeatedly use the moment to project himself as the dominant power broker. He used his office to position Mamdani as a prop to reinforce his image of control, particularly for his MAGA base.
A TELLING POWER DYNAMIC
Commentators such as Lawrence O’Donnell, host of the “Last Word”, and Sunny Hostin of “The VIEW”, suggested Trump was outmaneuvered by Mamdani. I would like that to be true, but the optics suggest otherwise.
During the Oval Office meeting, Trump sat behind his “Resolute Desk”—his throne—while Mamdani stood as if await instructions. Trump’s gestures, tone, and posture conveyed authority; Mamdani appeared yet another subordinate figure in Trump’s orbit.
The mayor of New York City is considered one of the hardest jobs in the United States of America. It is second to that of the President of America—currently held by Donald J. Trump. The mayor-elect Zohran Kwame Mamdani was days from ascending to the second most complex employment opportunity in America—managing an enormous, complex city, with a surly population of diverse people who are sickened by the wave of nonproductive politicians elected to meet their demands. Demands for affordability, equity, decreased crime rates, and better schools for their children to say the least.
It was not customary for someone of Mamdani’s stature to stand while the President is seated during a scheduled White House press meeting. Historical records show no evidence that this type of meeting dynamics ever existed in pass presidential administrations.
When a reporter asked Mamdani whether Trump is a fascist, Mamdani appeared hesitant to answer. Trump tapped him and said, “It’s okay to answer—just say yes, it’s easier.” Mamdani agreed and responded. It was one of the moments that reinforced who appeared to control the stage—the president. Trump’s team place Mamdani, the rebel, in an awkward and demeaning position during the Oval Office meeting. A meeting which optics should have been more accommodating to both equally.
The White House meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy was less about diplomacy than theater, as Trump and his team orchestrated and commandeered the moment into a dominance display. They reduced Zelenskyy’s involvement to a backdrop in a made-for-the media/MAGA TV sitcom or dramatic political theater.
The power dynamic echoed Trump’s treatment of Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom Trump once reminded that he lacked leverage (telling Zelenskyy, “You don’t have the cards”), before abruptly ending their meeting. Similarly, despite Trump calling Mamdani a communist and hurling shameful insults, it was Mamdani who sought the meeting implying he needed help from President Trump prior to his swearing in as NYC’s new mayor.
In Trump’s world of MAGA supporters, Mamdani’s request to meet the king—especially in the light of their constant sparring—strengthens “Trump’s’ perceived dominance. Albeit it is apparent that the mayor-elect will require funding assistance of the White House to fulfill his promise of safety and affordability. It was the timing and the awkward position the mayor-elect was placed in without formality or any explanation other than it appearing to be a power play by Trump.
Trump’s praise for Mamdani in the Oval Office also mirrors the compliments he once gave other officials—many of whom he later dismissed as incompetent or worse. As the saying goes, “a leopard cannot change its spots.” Trump’s fundamental character will always remain constant—as he is a talented manipulative con artist and chameleon with no heart for liberals, socialist, or anyone one, he deems to be a communist or a threat to his presidency.
The staging of the meeting was a calculated display of power. Guests of somewhat parallel standing are typically seated or both standing at their respective podium—illustrating their being on par with the president or at least signaling a person of high importance, thereby maintaining respect and clarity.
Unfortunately, in this case, the president and his team had NYC mayor-elect—who was days away from assuming the Office of Mayor officially—stand as if he was a servant. The position of Mayor of NYC is one of the hardest jobs in America, after the president. Again, in my opinion, it was a move that was highly inappropriate for a celebrity, high-level attendee or VIP figure of Mamdani’s stature to not physically acknowledge his accomplishment and influence—that’s regardless of the fact that he wasn’t sworn in at the time of their White House meeting.
For instance, when juxtaposing comedian/celebrity Bill Maher’s dinner visit/meeting with President Trump, it is quite telling—as both participants sat across for one another in a “gracious and measured” dialogue on White House’s policies and other issues.
Considering their history (President Trump and comedian Bill Maher) of public criticism of one another, the optics with Zohran Mamdani raised legitimate questions about Trump’s intentions and the subtle signals he sent to his base [don’t worry, I am in charge of this meeting and New York City’s first communist mayor].
Death of a would-be politician and business mogul at the hands of Trump and his web of confusion...
Both political salesmen—Zohran Mamdani and Elon Musk—believed they could persuade President Donald Trump, the ultimate authoritarian, to follow their lead in “building up” America and, by extension, the world. What they failed to recognize was that Trump, an old fox and chameleon always pursues his own agenda at the expense of others.
This wayward, crafty mogul, and U.S. President never intended to share power or vision with either Mamdani or Musk. Instead, President Trump sought to use both men as pawns—expendable tools—discarding both by way of Abandonment and betrayal once they no longer served his purpose. The only reason Trump put up with these ideologues was to absorb their political, enthusiastic devotees and followers into his orbit—reshaping them and their political views—aligning them to his own.
As America’s despot, Trump could not care less about Mamdani’s concerns over equity and affordability, nor Musk’s electric-vehicle empire. His only true loyalty is to his brand (The Trump Organization) and his own “personal” gratification and consolidation of power: In America and throughout the world.
In the below photo presentation of Elon Musk and Zohram Mamdani in the Oval Office, you can see the appeals process each under went to satisfying King Trump, which ultimately amounted to their roles being likened to “court jesters.” To Trump, they are no more than modern medieval entertainers arranged for his amusement.
Their role was to stand in the Oval office, carefully juggling strategies while recounting stories of marginalized and disenfranchised Americans—of an economy failing, and of the growing hardship faced by ordinary citizens—all at the discretion of the president. They provided real-life, often dark ironic accounts of White House dysfunction and the erosion of Constitutional norms.
In this space, they were “dangerously free” to deliver uncomfortable “tales of truths” as spectacles, cloaked as entertainment, even as they mocked the rich and powerful.
The truthful and sincere words of both Mamdani and Musk fell on death ears. Their candid remarks were dismissed as foolish, naive, amusing, or performative—entertaining at best but ultimately inconsequential. Any of the demands or proposals they raised were treated as non-serious, totally unactionable and undesirable feats by the president and the White House administration, who was unwilling to engage beyond the surface.
In other words, their most urgent pleas were taken as a [joke]—a punchline, dismissed as trivial and unworthy of serious consideration by a king-like figure in the Oval Office. President Donald J. Trump appeared less committed to governance than in domination, with a governing style critics argues is more focused on destroying America and its standing in the world.
Court jestures performs for the king...
Elon Musk’s performance driven plea to His Hinest to use DOGE to streamline government and rid America of its senseless waste, While pushing his Electric Cars as a salvation by reducing harmful emissions to the environment. Notabilly, placing more income in his and trustees pockets.
Like Elon Musk, the mayor-elect prior to his swearing in as NYC mayor also fell victim to the rhetoric of Trump’s coordinated power play. He thought he would appeal to Trump’s heart, by by extending himself to the White House and speaking an empathic and concilitory tone of his wishes to help the people of NYC the home of Trump. Not realizing you must have a heart to appreaciate his plea.
CONCLUSION
No one can predict the future relationship between Trump and Mamdani—one would have to be clairvoyant. Nevertheless, the meeting’s choreography reveals more than the words exchanged, it displayed a visual hierarchy. The dynamics resembled less than an equal diplomatic dialogue and more of a subtle assertion of dominance by Trump—through an engineered win demonstrating a power imbalance with Trump in the driver’s seat.
It is possible that Mamdani, intentionally or not, appealed to Trump’s Achilles heel as an offensive move to gain leverage over Trump’s ego and his deep attachment to New York City and its real estate landscape.
Mamdani and the people of New York City will need financial support from the White House to move forward with the mayor-elects progressive programs for affordability and equity for all New Yorkers.
Perhaps it was indeed an orchestrated move by Mamdani to be conciliatory during the meeting with the President to extinguish any possible showboating by a pompous authoritarian, thereby, opening the door for real substantive talks. Ultimately, making way to the unexpectedly warm tone of the meeting. But if history is any guide, one should remain cautious. Trump’s praise is often temporary, strategic, and ultimately self-serving.
I personally believe as mayor-elect before, and now as Mayor Mamdani, he remain in the cross hair of President Trump. As he stands in the same dangerous position of receiving low to zero funding from this administration, and a host of unwarranted attacks by President Trump and his regime.
“Let there be no mistake, Mamdani stands on the precipice of Trump’s hateful and vengeful mountain of alarming, dangerous and/or life-altering moments—under a world wind of Trumpian deception and retribution tirades.”
In the short and long run—tis only time that will ultimately tell the misguided or fortunes of the initial meeting between America’s political titans: President Donald J. Trump or Mayor-elect Zohran Kwame Mamdani. Let’s hope for the people of New York City and the Nation their newly found cordial relationship holds—at least for the people and the country.
