A prominent political strategist says President Donald Trump secured exactly what he was seeking from his surprising face-to-face meeting with New York City’s incoming mayor, self-described socialist Zohran Mamdani. According to commentator Patrick Bet-David, the encounter was a strategic win for Trump—one that may quietly reshape the political dynamics between the White House and New York’s newly elected leadership.
During an interview on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime, Bet-David offered a behind-the-scenes read on the unusual summit. The two men, whose politics could not be more different, stood side-by-side in the Oval Office on Friday in a moment that stunned both Republicans and progressives.
Bet-David says Trump knew exactly what he was doing.
Analyst: Mamdani Found Himself Standing Next to a “Pro”
Bet-David described the dynamic bluntly, saying Mamdani appeared to be “sizing up” the president and attempting to understand what Trump’s angle was.
“I thought it went great,” Bet-David said. “I thought Mamdani is standing next to a pro, sizing him up, thinking to himself, What is wrong with this guy? He allowed me to diss him in front of everyone — he’s so comfortable with it. What is he trying to get out of this?”
The analyst suggested that while Mamdani may have expected a tense ideological confrontation, Trump surprised him with warmth and tactical calm — a move that plays well with the very voting bloc Mamdani represents.
“And by the way,” Bet-David continued, “imagine how the conversation went behind closed doors. What do you think the president told him? Maybe something like, We’d love to work with you. If you want to get things done, we’ll help you. If you want to play games, do your thing — but don’t forget you’re going to need us.”
According to Bet-David, that tone would have left an impression. “The president knows exactly what he’s doing,” he added.
Trump’s Strategy With Progressive Voters
Bet-David pointed to Trump’s long-standing ability to capitalize on fractures inside the Democratic Party — a strategy he used effectively during the 2016 primary battle between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
“The last time a Mamdani-type person came in and he lost, Clinton asked him to step out — that was Bernie Sanders,” Bet-David explained. “And when Bernie lost, Trump went on TV saying, ‘Look what they did to your candidate.’ And those people flocked to him.”
He argued that the same thing may be happening again. “I think the Mamdani voters, the Bernie voters, the AOC voters — they’re watching how Trump is being gentle with Mamdani now that he’s in,” Bet-David said. “And if good things end up happening, they may look back saying, I hate to say this, but I kind of like President Trump.”
Bet-David concluded by predicting that Trump ultimately benefits from the meeting — possibly more than Mamdani realizes.
Trump Temporarily Pauses National Guard Plan for NYC
The meeting also had immediate policy implications.
On Saturday, President Trump announced he is pausing any plans to deploy the National Guard to New York City — one of several crime-plagued urban areas he has criticized since returning to office — saying other cities “need it more” right now.
Trump’s pause comes just one day after hosting Mamdani and follows prior comments in August that he was prepared to deploy federal resources to cities struggling with violent crime, including New York.
MS NOW reporter Akayla Gardner asked Trump on Saturday whether the meeting changed his plans for New York.
“If they need it. Right now, other places need it more,” Trump said. “We had a very good meeting yesterday… but if they need it, I would do it.”
Trump also said he would feel “very comfortable living in New York City,” remarking that Mamdani gave him confidence in the city’s direction.
An Unexpectedly Warm Meeting
Despite their history of sharp political jabs, Trump and Mamdani shared an unexpectedly cordial tone as cameras rolled.
Trump had previously dismissed Mamdani as “my little communist” and criticized his socialist economic proposals. Mamdani, meanwhile, has repeatedly called Trump a “fascist” — a comment Trump laughed off when asked by reporters Friday.
During the meeting, the two men appeared relaxed and cooperative. A White House official later described the tone as “surprisingly constructive.”
Trump even called the meeting a “great honor.”
Political observers noted that the friendliness may have served both leaders: Mamdani gains credibility with constituents by showing access to federal power, while Trump positions himself as a pragmatic negotiator who can work with ideological opponents.
Strategic Benefits on Both Sides — But Especially for Trump
Analysts say the imagery alone was valuable. Trump standing beside a high-profile, far-left mayor-elect sends a message that he can engage with all corners of the political spectrum. For Mamdani, the Oval Office invitation signaled he would not be frozen out by a conservative administration.
But Bet-David argued that Trump walked away with more.
He says Trump’s embrace of Mamdani — even lightly, even tactically — sends a signal to young progressive voters that he is open to dialogue. And that demographic could prove pivotal in a fractured 2026 electoral landscape.
In Bet-David’s words, “He has both sides.”
That may be overstated, but there’s no doubt Trump sees value in appearing open-armed rather than combative as political tides shift.
Political Stakes Ahead
For Mamdani, the meeting was an early test of navigating national politics as he prepares to take office in January. His administration will face enormous challenges — public safety, economic recovery, and ongoing tensions over policing and homelessness.
For Trump, the meeting signaled a strategic approach to Democratic cities, pairing tough crime rhetoric with selective cooperation.
And for analysts like Bet-David, the message is clear:
Trump didn’t just meet with Mamdani — he leveraged the moment.
Whether the partnership leads to meaningful policy changes or simply political symbolism, both sides will be watching closely.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
