During an interview on The Adam Friedland Show, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani shared a story from his White House visit that he never expected.
When Friedland asked him, “What was the weirdest thing he [Trump] showed you?”
Mamdani said he was sitting in the waiting area before the meeting when he noticed a stack of coffee table books. One book stood out right away. It was titled UFC at the White House. Mamdani said he had no idea such a book even existed, and he found himself flipping through it out of pure surprise.
The detail caught attention because it is not the kind of book most people expect to see inside the president’s workspace.
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When Friedland asked if he planned to attend the White House UFC event in June, Mamdani answered with a simple “No,” which made both of them laugh. It was a light moment, even though his relationship with Trump had been anything but light during the campaign.
Trump attacked Mamdani many times during the race, calling him a “communist lunatic,” questioning his ability to run the city, and even threatening to hold back federal money if Mamdani became mayor. The campaign grew tense and personal, and it was clear Trump did not want to see him win. But once Mamdani won with a clear majority, Trump changed his tone completely.
After their meeting, Trump praised him, endorsed him, and even said he would feel comfortable living in Mamdani’s New York City. It was a sudden shift, something many people have seen from Trump before.
Mamdani also talked about how he stayed calm during the White House press conference. Many viewers noticed he never reacted to Trump’s comments or expressions.
When Friedland asked how he managed that, Mamdani said, “Honestly, I was just thinking about New York City.” He stayed focused on the issues he ran on, including rent, housing costs, food prices, child care, and other daily problems people talk about.
He discussed the visit again during an NBC Meet the Press interview with Kristen Welker. Reporters asked if he still believes Trump is a fascist. Trump jumped in and said the label did not bother him because it was “easier than explaining” other views. Mamdani confirmed his position but kept the conversation centered on affordability and what families need.
He also described walking through parts of the White House, including the Cabinet Room, where he saw photos of past presidents such as Franklin D Roosevelt.
Featured image via YouTube screengrab
