Journalists and commentators seized on this detail not because it was profoundly consequential on its own, but because it underscored how unexpected and unconventional the meeting had been.
📌 2. Highlights the Unusual Tone of the Summit
Just weeks earlier, the two sides had been trading intense political barbs.
Instead, the encounter was relaxed enough that Mamdani felt comfortable joking about what he was leafing through.
This shift — from confrontation to camaraderie — became a major point of analysis in political media. Some saw it as strategic pragmatism; others described the interaction as odd or revealing of broader political posturing.
🗣 Reactions From Both Sides
President Trump:
Praised Mamdani publicly after the meeting.
In a light‑hearted exchange, he even encouraged Mamdani to repeat his earlier comment about calling Trump a “fascist” rather than explain alternate terminology.
Zohran Mamdani:
Focused public attention on policy topics rather than just the publicity moment.
Commentators & Critics:
Many commentators called the scene “bizarre” or “unexpected,” noting that such friendliness between two previously vocal opponents was historically unusual.
Some conservative voices argued the warm optics were overblown or strategically beneficial to both men
