Despite Public Rhetoric Trump and Mamdani Trade Friendly Texts

IPW Desk, New York & Washington, D.C. Jan. 14, 2026 —

In an unexpected development, President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have been exchanging regular private text messages, according to a report published by Axios and confirmed by multiple media outlets today.

The communications began after the two leaders exchanged phone numbers following a November Oval Office meeting, a source told Axios. What was originally seen as a one-off cordial encounter between ideological rivals has since evolved into ongoing contact.

Despite their very public history of harsh rhetoric — with Trump previously branding Mamdani a “communist” and Mamdani calling Trump a “fascist”— the text exchanges are described by some sources as friendly and practical in tone.

Some outlets report the text messages have occurred at least twice a week, with a tone described by sources as “friendly” and “cordial.”

The range of topics being discussed isn’t fully known, but reports mention policy areas like zoning, Venezuelan politics and other city concerns.

Analysts and insiders called the private contact an unusual rapprochement between two leaders from opposite ends of the political spectrum.

Some observers suggest this line of communication could be pragmatic and transactional, especially given Trump’s ability to influence federal funding for New York City.

Official spokespeople for both Trump and Mamdani have declined to comment publicly on the private text exchanges.

The reported texting is part of a broader pattern of shifting dynamics between the two figures since their November 2025 meeting, during which they appeared unusually congenial despite prior animosity.

However, some later interactions, including disagreements over U.S. actions in Venezuela, suggest the relationship may face strains even as private communication continues.