Congress MP Shashi Tharoor took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the unexpectedly warm meeting between US President Donald Trump and New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, calling it a perfect example of “democracy.” Tharoor, who earlier lauded Mamdani’s historic win as the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, said it shows how leaders can fiercely compete in elections but still work together for the greater good once the people have spoken.
Tharoor applauds Trump-Mamdani camaraderie
“This is how democracy should work,” Tharoor wrote on X. Fight passionately for your point of view in elections, with no rhetorical holds barred. But once it’s over, & the people have spoken, learn to cooperate with each other in the common interests of the nation you are both pledged to serve. I would love to see more of this in India, and am trying to do my part,” he added.
Earlier, Tharoor had also congratulated Mamdani on his “spectacular victory” in the New York mayoral race, calling it a milestone for diversity and history. The 34-year-old Mamdani became New York City’s first Muslim mayor, the first mayor of South Asian heritage, and the first born in Africa. Mamdani, who is the son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo by a clear margin of over nine percentage points.
This is how democracy should work. Fight passionately for your point of view in elections, with no rhetorical holds barred. But once it’s over, & the people have spoken, learn to cooperate with each other in the common interests of the nation you are both pledged to serve. I… https://t.co/NwXPZyhn20
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 22, 2025
The unexpectedly friendly Trump-Mamdani meeting
The Trump-Mamdani meeting surprised many, especially the conservatives. Just weeks earlier, Trump warned of a “complete and total economic and social disaster” of New York under Mamdani and even threatened to withhold federal funding.
But in Washington, DC, the two of them were seen mingling. Trump said he would be comfortable living in New York under Mamdani’s administration and praised the mayor-elect as a “rational person” with strong leadership skills. Mamdani returned the sentiment, saying he was looking forward to working with Trump to make New York more affordable for its residents.
Trump repeatedly said he wanted to help, not hinder, Mamdani’s efforts and expressed confidence in the new mayor’s ability to deliver for New Yorkers. During the meeting, Mamdani discussed concerns about immigration enforcement and affordability. Both agreed that despite ideological differences, they could work together on common goals. “He doesn’t want to see crime and I don’t want to see crime,” Trump said on Friday. “And I have very little doubt we are not going to get along with on that issue.”
When asked about the House voting to denounce the “horrors of socialism,” Mamdani said he wasn’t worried. As a self-described Democratic socialist, he said his focus is on the work ahead. “I know people might have different ideas, but what matters is the work we need to do to make New York City affordable,” Mamdani said.
