Video Trump: I want Mamdani to be a great mayor 'The Five' panel discusses President Donald Trump's meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, breaking down the key moments from their discussion, the issues addressed during the meeting and what it could mean for the relationship between the White House and New York City.
Six weeks before the midterms, President Donald Trump is complicating one of Republicans' central campaign arguments against Democrats — warmly praising New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after repeatedly warning voters about the rise of socialism and communism on the left.
"I want him to be a great mayor, and he’s certainly got potential, got great potential," Trump told reporters as he patted Mamdani on the back after the two leaders met Monday at New York City's Gracie Mansion.
The meeting, where the two leaders discussed cost of living and housing issues, isn't sitting well with some Republicans fighting to keep control of the House and Senate in the midterms.
"All of it is self-inflicted, off-message, not helpful," a GOP strategist who asked to remain anonymous to speak freely told Fox News Digital. "None of these candidates out in these states, where these races are tighter and more competitive than they should be, are helped by any of this."
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President Donald Trump, left, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani talk to reporters after meeting at Gracie Mansion, on Sept. 21, 2026.
Another Republican consultant, who also asked for anonymity, argued, "This is a president who is in a fully self-indulgent period. It doesn't seem like he really cares about winning. It's all off key."
Less than two weeks ago, Trump told Republicans gathered in Dallas at the GOP's first-ever midterm convention that there is a "communist" takeover of the Democratic Party.
"In state after state, the Democrat establishment has been overthrown and replaced by crazed lunatics and radicals. They call themselves Democrat socialists, but actually, they’re communists," the president said.
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United States President Donald Trump speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Fast-forward to Monday, and Trump held his third meeting with Mamdani since he won election last year as the first socialist and first Muslim mayor of the nation's most populous city.
A third GOP strategist, who was also granted anonymity, argued, "It seems he keeps on stepping on the message, making the election about how crazy the left is and communists and socialists and then appearing with them and yukking it up."
A top Trump supporter quickly took to social media to blast the encounter.
"I am a die hard Trump supporter and today I am feeling demoralized because Mamdani is a full blown communist jihadist. He is the spiritual leader of the communists in America and he met with the President today in NYC less than 45 days before the midterms," right-wing activist and MAGA champion Laura Loomer argued on social media.
Loomer, an internet personality who has carved out an influential unofficial role as Trump confidant, emphasized, "How is this supposed to make Trump’s most loyal supporters feel? We don’t feel very happy today. We were told to FIGHT communism. But when we fight communism, we see the communist get rewarded... The base is very angry today."
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President Donald Trump, right, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani meet at Gracie Mansion in New York City, on Sept. 21, 2026. (New York City Mayor's office)
Alex Bruesewitz, a longtime Trump aide who now serves as a leading outside adviser to the president, shot back on X, writing, "I don’t understand the "Republicans" who are upset about the President having a friendly relationship with the Mayor of New York @ZohranKMamdani. It’s not wrong to have friendly relationships with people you disagree with. In fact, it’s healthy and good for you!"
Republicans are fighting against traditional political headwinds facing the party in power and a rough political climate fueled by persistent inflation, surging gas and diesel prices, what polls show is a very unpopular war with Iran, and Trump's underwater approval ratings.
To flip the script, a key part of the GOP playbook aims to turn what's normally a referendum on the party in power into a choice election by painting all Democrats on the ballot as far-left radicals.
While some Republican strategists say Trump is stepping on the message, others are not concerned.
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"I don't think it's that big a deal," veteran GOP consultant Dave Carney told Fox News Digital.
Carney said that Trump's meeting with Mamdani "goes with his role" as president "and it's not a political role. The federal government and the president and the city have to work together."
But Carney, pointing to left-wing Democrats on the midterm ballot, said "these other candidates out there who advocate these really radical crazy positions aren't elected yet."
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Longtime Republican strategist and communicator Ryan Williams, referring to Trump, said the meeting "has the ability to make some on the right angry when he praises, Mamdani, but I don't think it has really has any political implications."
"Trump appreciates talent and whatever you think of Mayor Mamdani, the guy is politically talented," Williams added. "I think the president appreciates that."
Fox News reached out to the White House for comment, but didn't receive a response at the time this report was published.
Paul Steinhauser covers the national campaign trail from coast to coast for Fox News
