Acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee has voiced his confusion over President Donald Trump's unexpectedly warm reception of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani during their first Oval Office meeting, marking a dramatic shift from their previously hostile relationship.
From Political Foes to Oval Office Smiles
The historic meeting between the 79-year-old president and 34-year-old mayor-elect occurred on Friday in the Oval Office, where both men appeared remarkably friendly despite their history of public disagreements. During their introduction, Trump and Mamdani exchanged warm handshakes and discussed plans for New York City, the president's hometown.
The cordial atmosphere marked a stark contrast to their previous exchanges, where Trump had labelled Mamdani "a communist" during the recent mayoral election and warned that New York City would "go down the drain" under his leadership. The president had even threatened to cut off federal funding to the city if Mamdani won the election.
Spike Lee's Bewilderment in Turin
Later that same day, while attending the Torino Film Festival in Italy, the 68-year-old Do the Right Thing director addressed Trump's sudden change of heart during a press conference. "I mean, the President said he was going to cut off federal funding. So from the things that were said to this quick turnaround... I'm puzzled," Lee stated, clearly bemused by the development.
When questioned about whether Trump's friendly demeanour toward Mamdani would last, the BlacKkKlansman director responded cautiously with "We shall see." Lee, who was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the festival alongside Antonio Banderas, attended the event with his wife Tonya Lewis Lee.
An Unusually Friendly Exchange
Following their private closed-door meeting, which Mamdani described as "productive," the two politicians posed for press photographs with Trump seated behind the Resolute Desk and the mayor-elect standing to his right. The friendly atmosphere continued when a reporter asked Mamdani if he was affirming his previous characterisation of Trump as a "fascist."
As Mamdani began to respond with "I've spoken about —" Trump interrupted with a smile and said: "That's ok. You can just say 'yes.'" The president then patted Mamdani on the arm and added: "It's easier. It's easier than explaining. I don't mind."
Lee reflected on the surprising development, noting: "When you go back and see what the President said about him, and what would happen to New York City if [Mamdani] won, it just seems... It seems like they somehow found common ground."
The director's latest film, Highest 2 Lowest starring Denzel Washington, was recently released, though his comments in Turin focused primarily on the unexpected political reconciliation between two figures who had previously exchanged such harsh criticisms.
