【By Observer Net, Qi Qian】

"Shocking", "weird", "unimaginable", "surreal"...

On Friday afternoon local time (November 21), American citizens, who were preparing for the weekend, were stunned by a scene on TV and social media: former enemies - US President Trump and New York's elected mayor Mammadani, were openly "love-struck".

That day, Trump met with Mammadani in the Oval Office at the White House, and journalists present witnessed this meeting.

According to The New York Times, the two smiled and laughed, with words of praise flowing, and the atmosphere was "filled with warmth".

American cable news network CNN said that many people had thought the two would have a "hostile encounter", but the reality was completely opposite - it was an unexpected "love fest".

"The two showed affection rather than hostility during the meeting," said Politico, which titled its article "Make love, not war". This meeting was highly anticipated, but Trump and Mammadani turned it into a feast of mutual flattery. Both praised each other's approaches to solving the cost of living problem. "It's a surreal scene," they said.

Reuters mentioned that they showed friendly body language. Trump shook hands with Mammadani multiple times and gently patted his hand, clearly being very intimate. Trump also touched or lightly tapped Mammadani's arm from time to time, "like a father".

US media

On November 4, local time, the results of the New York City mayoral election were announced. 34-year-old Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani defeated his opponent, former governor Cuomo, with over 50% of the vote, successfully becoming the new mayor of New York City.

Thus, Mamdani is about to make history, becoming the youngest mayor in New York City since the 19th century, as well as the city's first Muslim mayor, first South Asian mayor, and the first naturalized immigrant to serve as mayor in the United States since the 1970s. He completed one of the most attention-grabbing political comebacks in New York's history, which also means that a "democratic socialist" will soon take over the New York City Hall.

Notably, Mamdani faced frequent attacks from Trump during his campaign. Trump once threatened that if Mamdani hindered immigration officers' efforts to combat illegal immigration, he would be arrested.

However, just two weeks later, the two got along well, shocking everyone.

According to reports, the meeting mainly focused on Trump's praise for Mamdani's victory, his concern for blue-collar workers, etc. During the meeting, Trump said he intended to help Mamdani implement some of his agenda, such as expanding the urgently needed housing.

The two avoided confrontation, emphasizing their common points.

CNN noted that the two were not only praising each other. In the question-and-answer session, Trump repeatedly defended his new friend.

When a reporter pointed out that Trump had previously threatened to "cut funding for New York City", Trump implied that he might use this card if necessary. However, he also downplayed the possibility. He said, "I hope to help him, not hurt him."

A reporter asked whether Mamdani had ever called Trump a "fascist" before, and Trump answered first: "It doesn't matter, just say 'yes'. It's easier, rather than explaining. I don't mind."

Similarly, when someone pointed out that Mamdani had called Trump a "tyrant", Trump responded: "Some people have insulted me more than a tyrant."

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"Just say 'yes', I don't mind"

"Trump was almost completely captivated," wrote Politico. After the meeting, Trump continued to praise Mammadani:

"I think he will surprise some conservatives";

"Our conversation was interesting, and some of his ideas are actually in line with mine";

"We have a lot of consensus, more than I expected";

"I think this mayor can do some great things..."

Mammadani appeared relatively reserved. After the meeting, he posted a brief statement on the social media platform Instagram: "Workers have been ignored in New York. In the richest city in the world, one in five residents cannot afford a $2.9 transportation fee. As I told Trump today - it's time to put these people at the core of our politics."

In the comments section, the most popular reply was: "He (Trump) is in love with you."

Social media screenshot

The New York Times believes that this was a shocking, warm performance that left Americans, especially New Yorkers, speechless. It is unimaginable that the democratic socialist mayor-elect Mamdani and Trump could get along so well.

Other reactions were more vivid. Fox News host Brian Kilmeade joked, "I think Vance is a bit jealous. They get along really well."

"I mean, it does look a bit like brotherly love," said Republican Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, "Knowing from the election results that Mamdani is charming, but who would have thought he could charm the president?"

Although many New Yorkers were delighted, they were also worried that the fickle Trump would turn on them someday.

"I think Trump is not particularly principled or moral, so we need to prepare for possible activities by the federal government in New York City," said Grace Moser, co-chair of the New York branch of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), an organization crucial to Mamdani's political success. She also said, "But overall, Mamdani has always been a candidate with strong communication skills and political acumen. If this keeps Trump from attacking the city, I think it's a good thing."

This article is an exclusive article by Observer Net. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7575413635460137487/

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