There’s no mystery why Zohran Mamdani wanted to get along with Donald Trump. The president threatened New York City with funding cuts, deployment of federal forces and other unpleasantries if its voters elected the self-described democratic socialist as mayor. But why after calling Mamdani all kinds of names, even warning of his possible arrest, did Trump later smother the mayor-elect with flamboyant affection?

An explanation: The MAGA show is closing — as is Trump’s time in the White House. Trump needs a new forum on which to stage his dramas.

New York may seem a natural place for the man who, before becoming president, styled himself as Mr. New York. He already has real estate there and, as a builder, might want to cozy up to a mayor who vows to build thousands of apartments. But first

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