Heck, IME that’s not even particular to one culture, it’s what many people in many families and communities have been doing to keep things civil for ages.
(What next, they’re going to say he used the Jedi Mind Trick?)
I’ll bet he also says “Jeet jet?” instead of “did you eat yet”?
This much sounds right:
Trump wants drama. He’ll try to get it by first building up Mamdani and then tearing him down. Over the next year or two, Trump will start pushing a narrative where:
a. Trump will say he gave Mamdani a chance.
b. Trump will try to make out Mamdani to be the heart and soul of the Democratic Party.
The model here is Jeremy Corbyn (temporarily) bringing down Labour. Ridiculous because Corbyn really was the leader of his party while Mamdani obviously is not? Yes. But I think this is the kind of move Trump makes.
I think you’re ascribing to him strategic skills and self-control he doesn’t have.
I think @PhillyGuy is underestimating Mamdani.