Michael Cohen, former lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, predicted that Trump would initially appear friendly towards New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Cohen explained that Trump often disarms potential opponents with charm and a personable demeanor, leading them to believe the encounter will go well.
However, Cohen warned that this friendliness is a tactic, and Trump will turn hostile if Mamdani takes actions that Trump disapproves of, such as opposing the administration's immigration enforcement. Mamdani has pledged to end New York City's cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and has spoken out against what he calls a "culture of corruption" that "gave rise to" Trump.
Cohen believes that MAGA Republicans, like Representative Elise Stefanik who has used Mamdani as a campaign foil, would likely be unhappy with Trump's seemingly amicable meeting with Mamdani. Despite potential backlash from his base, Cohen suggested that New Yorkers should give Mamdani a chance to govern.
