Trump and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani spark buzz with secret 'friendly' text banter

Trump and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani spark buzz with secret friendly text banter

• Mayor Mamdani and Trump exchange friendly texts twice a week on various topics
• Mamdani criticizes Trump but maintains a candid, pragmatic relationship
• Their rapport marks a shift from previous NYC mayor-presidential relations

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and US President Donald Trump have continued their cordial rapport following their Oval Office meeting in November, reportedly exchanging “friendly” text messages at least twice a week, Axios and The New York Post reported.

The communications cover a wide array of topics, from the US operation against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to local zoning issues in New York. Sources familiar with the exchanges described the interactions as “friendly” and noted that both leaders understand the importance of maintaining a workable relationship.

“It wouldn’t make practical, political sense for them to scream at each other, in public or private,” one insider said. “Of course, they can’t appear too cozy. Mamdani would be smart to kiss Trump’s a**. Especially when the federal government can withhold billions from the city.”

Mamdani’s direct access to Trump represents a notable departure from past mayoral relationships with US presidents. For example, former Mayor Eric Adams did not receive Trump’s personal number and could only communicate via intermediaries.

Despite the friendly exchanges, Mamdani has not shied away from criticizing the president. He called Trump to voice his opposition to US strikes on Venezuela, a move that reportedly surprised the former president. “I thought it was awfully quick for him to be criticizing. We've had numerous conversations. We get along great. I thought it was quick to be criticised. I thought he'd wait at least a month,” Trump told the New York Times.

Mamdani defended his approach, telling reporters, “The President and I have always been honest and direct with each other about places of disagreement. New Yorkers have elected me to be honest and direct and always to do so with the understanding that my job is to deliver for the people who call this city home.”

Since moving into Gracie Mansion with his wife Rama Duwaji, Mamdani has maintained his commitment to being candid with the former president while continuing the unusual friendship.

Analysts note that the exchanges reflect a mix of political pragmatism and personal rapport, with Trump reportedly feeling comfortable with Mamdani in ways past presidents did not with city leaders.