In a striking departure from months of political hostility, President Donald Trump on Friday offered praise for New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani after what both described as a “productive” meeting at the White House.
The meeting lasted roughly 30 minutes and marked the beginning of what both leaders signaled could be a cooperative relationship, an unexpected turn for two politicians who, until days ago, rarely passed up an opportunity to attack each other.
Trump, who had repeatedly derided Mamdani as a “communist” during the mayoral campaign, called the Democratic socialist “rational” and said he would be “cheering for him” once he takes office.
“I think you’re going to have, hopefully, a really great mayor. The better he does, the happier I am,” Trump said in the Oval Office with Mamdani at his side. “There’s no difference in party. We’re going to be helping him make everybody’s dream come true , having a strong and very safe New York.”
The two discussed housing affordability, food and energy costs, and public safety. Mamdani said they also talked about immigration enforcement in the city, an issue on which he has clashed with federal officials and raised concerns over the presence of ICE officers in New York.
When asked about his past attacks on Mamdani, Trump suggested the mayor-elect might evolve in office, saying: “He’s got views that are a little out there, but who knows? We’re going to see what works. He’s going to change also. I changed a lot.”
Mamdani, who once labeled Trump a “despot,” downplayed past rhetoric and emphasized shared priorities. “We differ ideologically, but we agree on affordability and bringing down costs,” he said. Trump brushed off the earlier criticism. “I’ve been called much worse than a despot,” he said.
Many were surprised to see an amicable meeting given the bitter exchanges that defined their recent campaigns.
Trump had spent months railing against Mamdani, threatening to withhold federal funds if the mayor-elect pursued certain progressive policies.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist centered his mayoral campaign on affordability and cost-of-living issues, themes that helped Democrats notch key wins in other states this cycle.
Despite their ideological differences, the two appeared relaxed together in the Oval Office. Reporters repeatedly tried hard to provoke criticism from either side, but neither took the bait.
At one point, when Mamdani was asked if he still believed Trump was a fascist, Trump interjected with a grin, patting Mamdani on the arm: “He can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining.”
Another reporter asked Trump whether he believed he was standing next to a “jihadist,” borrowing language used by Rep. Elise Stefanik. Trump dismissed it sharply: “No, I don’t. I met with a man who is a very rational person. A man who really wants to see New York be great again.”
Speaking after the meeting, Mamdani reiterated his commitment to affordability: “Working people have been left behind in New York. In the wealthiest city in the world, one in five can’t afford $2.90 for the train or bus. As I told Trump today—it’s time to put those people right back at the heart of our politics.”
