An unexpected dialogue unfolded between New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former President Donald Trump, culminating in a swift resolution for a Columbia University student. Elaina Aghayeva, detained earlier that day by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was facing potential deportation.
Mamdani secured a previously unscheduled meeting at the White House, driven by urgent concerns for Aghayeva’s fate. He immediately shared the details of her detention with Trump, emphasizing the disruption to her education and life. The response was surprisingly direct.
According to Mamdani’s account, Trump informed him that Aghayeva would be released “imminently.” This announcement followed a conversation where the two leaders, despite their stark political differences, found common ground in addressing the immediate crisis.
Federal authorities confirmed Aghayeva’s detention, stating she had been in the country illegally since her student visa was terminated in 2016 for non-attendance. Agents, granted access to her apartment by building management and a roommate, took her into custody with no pending appeals.
Columbia University officials expressed concern over the circumstances of the detention, stating that ICE agents allegedly misrepresented their purpose to gain entry to a residential building. The university reaffirmed its policy requiring judicial warrants for access to non-public areas.
This meeting wasn’t the first instance of surprising collaboration between Mamdani and Trump. A prior visit in November had already raised eyebrows, with Trump publicly congratulating the mayor on his election victory and acknowledging shared priorities.
During that earlier encounter, Trump downplayed Mamdani’s past criticisms, focusing instead on their mutual desire for the city’s success. He highlighted shared concerns regarding housing affordability and the rising cost of living.
The White House press secretary, prior to the meeting, had sharply criticized Mamdani’s political leanings, yet Trump maintained an open-door policy for all U.S. leaders, regardless of party affiliation. This willingness to engage underscored the unusual dynamic between the two men.
The exchange wasn’t without its moments of pointedness. When pressed about his previous characterization of Trump as a “fascist,” Mamdani began a nuanced response, only to be playfully interrupted by Trump, who suggested a simple “yes” would suffice.
Despite the political complexities, both leaders expressed a hopeful outlook, suggesting a potential for collaboration on issues impacting Americans. Trump even predicted Mamdani would challenge expectations across the political spectrum.
