Highlights:
- Trump and Mamdani struck a friendly tone despite past political clashes.
- Both leaders emphasised New York City’s affordability crisis.
- Trump repeatedly praised Mamdani’s potential as mayor.
- They avoided escalating earlier attacks, even joking about them.
- Their cooperation may complicate Republican election strategies.
President Donald Trump met New York City's new mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, at the White House on Friday (21). Many expected a tense and confrontational moment between the conservative president and the democratic socialist mayor-elect. Instead, the meeting turned into a surprisingly friendly and positive conversation, with both men showing smiles, compliments, and even jokes.
Mamdani had called Trump a 'despot' during his election victory speech, and the Trump team had mocked Mamdani as a 'communist' before the visit. Yet when they stood together in the Oval Office, all that tension seemed to fade. Trump sat behind the Resolute Desk while Mamdani stood to his right, both appearing relaxed and comfortable.
Trump even said he hoped Mamdani would be a 'really great mayor' and added that he was 'confident that he can do a very good job.'
Reporters reminded them of the harsh words exchanged during the campaign, Trump and Mamdani both avoided direct criticism and quickly moved back to expressing respect for each other. When Mamdani was asked whether he still thought Trump was fascist, Trump jokingly tapped him on the arm and said, “That’s ok, you can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining.” It was the closest either came to confronting their earlier attacks.
At one moment, Trump dismissed a question based on comments from a political ally, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who had called Mamdani a jihadist. Trump replied simply, “No, I don’t,” and then shrugged it off as campaign talk.
A major reason for this new friendly tone was their shared focus on New York's affordability crisis. Mamdani campaigned on housing issues, including a proposal to freeze rent increases for certain apartments.
Trump, who won re-election by talking about inflation and rising prices, also highlighted the cost of living. Both agreed that solving affordability problems was essential for the city and politically important for them.
They even found common views on safety and immigration. Mamdani said he had shared concerns about federal immigration raids in New York, while Trump said they talked more about crime than immigration. “He doesn’t want to see crime, and I don’t want to see crime,” Trump said, and added that he would feel safe living in a Mamdani-led New York.
Another point of connection was their shared background. Both men are from Queens. Trump grew up in Jamaica Estates, while Mamdani lives in Astoria. Mamdani said they share a love for New York City, and Trump spoke warmly about his hometown.
The friendly meeting may affect national politics. Republicans had planned to use Mamdani as an example of radical Democratic politics in the 2026 midterm elections. But Trump's open praise could weaken that strategy. “He’ll surprise some conservative people,” Trump said. Whether this new goodwill lasts after Mamdani takes office on 1 January is still uncertain, but for now, Trump says, “I’ll be cheering for him.”
