Director Spike Lee has expressed bewilderment at President Donald Trump’s unexpectedly warm reception of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani during their first meeting. The two men, who had previously exchanged hostile remarks, met in the Oval Office on Friday, with both appearing amicable as they shook hands and discussed Mamdani’s plans for the city.
Speaking at the Torino Film Festival later that day, Lee, 68, noted the stark contrast between Trump’s campaign rhetoric and his recent behaviour. “The President said he was a communist and said New York City was going to go down the drain,” Lee said. “He said he was going to cut off federal funding. So from the things that were said to this quick turnaround… I’m puzzled.”
Lee, whose film Do the Right Thing is a classic of American cinema, questioned whether Trump’s friendly demeanour would last. “We shall see,” he added. “When you go back and see what the President said about him, and what would happen to New York City if he won, it just seems… It seems like they somehow found common ground.”
Following a private meeting described by Mamdani as “productive”, the two posed for photos. When a reporter asked Mamdani if he was “affirming” prior comments calling Trump a “fascist”, the president interrupted with a smile, saying: “That’s ok. You can just say ‘yes’. It’s easier. It’s easier than explaining. I don’t mind.”
Trump has a history of falling out with allies; he recently branded Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene a “raging lunatic” after she criticised his handling of the Epstein files. Greene announced her resignation from Congress on Friday. Lee was at the Torino Film Festival to receive a lifetime achievement award.
