The Donald Trump v Zohran Mamdani Show

Nov 28, 2025

Nick Reisman, Albany Bureau Chief for POLITICO, shares insights on the unexpected cordial meeting between New York's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and Donald Trump. They discuss the implications of this alliance amidst political tensions, including Mamdani's tax proposals that clash with Trump's ideologies. Reisman emphasizes New Yorkers' unique connection to outsider politicians and examines potential suburban backlash. The conversation also explores Mamdani's strategy to navigate complex relationships while pursuing his agenda in a politically charged environment.

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INSIGHT

Unexpected Personal Chemistry

Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani connected personally despite campaign attacks, reflecting shared outsider, populist styles.
Their mutual respect and New York roots made a cordial Oval Office meeting plausible and politically useful.

ANECDOTE

Oval Office Chat Over Transit

The Oval Office exchange showed Mamdani and Trump discussing transit and policy in friendly tones on camera.
Trump later told reporters the press made this meeting far bigger than most diplomatic encounters.

INSIGHT

Shared Populism, Divergent Solutions

Both men appeal to economic populism and share voters frustrated by affordability in New York.
They differ on solutions, with Mamdani backing higher taxes and Trump opposing tax hikes for the wealthy.

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In this episode, Sarah and Anthony unpack one of the most surprising political moments of the year - when New York’s incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani met Donald Trump in the Oval Office. After weeks of insulting each other during the mayoral campaign, Republicans and Democrats are still reacting to what turned out to be a very amicable and friendly meeting.

Trump has promised to help Mamdani make New York City a success, and “great again”, but what does this actually mean, and will the US president do it? We also look at how Mamdani will be navigating the wider politics of being a mayor, particularly with midterm elections in 2026. In New York state, can Mamdani persuade his Democratic governor to put up taxes for the wealthiest? And how will he balance maintaining good relations with both Trump and Demoratic socialists in New York?

Meanwhile, with Trump’s ally Elise Stefanik running for governor, how will the Republican campaign deal with the president’s new attitude towards Mamdani?

Sarah and Anthony are joined by Nick Reisman, POLITICO’s Albany Bureau Chief and New York politics expert.

HOSTS:

- Sarah Smith, North America Editor - Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST:

- Nick Reisman, Albany Bureau Chief for Politico

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This episode was made by George Dabby with Adriana Urbano. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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