What Communicators Can Learn From the Mamdani–Trump Meeting
Many people were surprised by the warm tone when Zohran Mamdani, a progressive New York political figure, visited President Donald Trump at the White House. The reaction was loud and fast, but as someone who has worked on campaigns from local races to presidential contests, I was not shocked. Political behavior is often less about ideology and more about survival. Every politician, regardless of party, shares one motivation: getting re-elected.
Despite their fierce exchanges before the meeting, Mr. Mamdani and President Trump each needed something from the other. For Mr. Mamdani, signaling cooperation helps him demonstrate that he can rise above partisan fights for the good of New Yorkers. For President Trump, showing a willingness to work across labels helps project that he is focused on people rather than parties. Their interaction fit the long tradition of political relationships that function more like strategic partnerships than ideological alliances.
Much of the commentary about their meeting reflected short-term thinking. Odd pairings in politics are nothing new. Presidential tickets have long been balanced to broaden appeal. Leaders have worked together on policy even while disagreeing sharply in public. During the American Revolution, the Founding Fathers compromised repeatedly despite major differences. The colonies also depended on one another for trade and military support, underscoring how symbiotic political relationships have always been part of governing.
Coalitions remain central today. In Congress, Democrats rely on independents and democratic socialists who caucus with them to advance legislation. European history is filled with arranged political alliances as well. These unusual pairings have existed for centuries, long before Mr. Mamdani and Mr. Trump appeared together.
How long this period of cooperation will last is impossible to predict. My guess is that it will not extend far into the new year. With 2026 as an election year, President Trump will likely return to sharp criticism of Democrats as he fights to maintain control of the House. If Democrats regain power, impeachment proceedings will follow.
Cracks have already begun to show. On Nov. 23, NBC reported that Mr. Mamdani still considers President Trump a “fascist” and a “despot,” although he described their White House meeting as an “opportunity” to work together on lowering costs for New Yorkers.
There are important lessons for communications professionals in all of this. No matter how strongly you disagree with a colleague, do not bad-mouth that person. A reputation for disruption will follow you. In group settings, professionalism matters, even when personalities clash. That is especially true when clients are involved. And, as this political moment reminds us, it is unwise to publicly criticize someone whose support you may ultimately need.
