The meeting between New York's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and President Trump was marked by unexpected civility, contrasting sharply with their prior exchanges. Trump, who had previously insulted Mamdani, praised him during the press conference, suggesting they agree on more than anticipated. Mamdani, known for his confrontational style, managed to maintain a friendly demeanor, which may help him navigate the complexities of his new role. This cordiality could serve as a buffer against Trump's threats to intervene in New York's governance. However, history shows that Trump can quickly shift from cooperation to confrontation, leaving Mamdani in a precarious position as he balances his progressive agenda with the realities of dealing with the federal government.