WASHINGTON: In a surprisingly warm White House encounter, U.S. President Donald Trump and New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani set aside years of mutual hostility on Friday, with both leaders signalling a willingness to work together on pressing issues facing America’s largest city.
Trump congratulated Mamdani—who won the mayoral election earlier this month—and said he now believes they “agree on a lot more than I would have thought,” describing their Oval Office discussion as “a great meeting.” The president added that Mamdani “could even surprise some conservative people.”
The exchange marks a striking reversal after a bruising mayoral campaign in which Trump repeatedly labelled the self-described democratic socialist a “communist” and threatened to cut federal funding if he won. Asked whether he would feel comfortable living in New York under a Mamdani administration, Trump replied: “Yes, absolutely… especially after the meeting.”
Funding threats reversed
Trump told reporters he no longer intends to punish the incoming administration. “I expect to be helping him, not hurting him,” he said when asked about his earlier pledge to pull federal funds from New York City.
Mamdani said his focus was on affordability and the everyday struggles of New Yorkers, noting that many Trump voters he met cited living costs as their main concern. He said he looks forward to working with the president to address those issues.
Crime, immigration and ICE operations
The mayor-elect said he raised concerns about federal immigration enforcement operations in the city. Trump responded that their conversation focused more on crime than immigration: “He doesn’t want to see crime and I don’t want to see crime… I have very little doubt we’re going to get along on that issue.”
Heated past remarks brushed aside
Reporters pressed Mamdani on his earlier description of Trump as a “fascist” and “despot.” Before he could answer, Trump smiled, tapped him on the arm, and said, “You can just say yes.” Mamdani replied: “OK, yes,” prompting Trump to shrug off the remark: “I’ve been called much worse.”
Trump similarly dismissed concerns about previously calling Mamdani a communist and said both men had “changed” on some issues. “He’s got views that are a little out there,” Trump joked, “but he’ll surprise some conservative people.”
Middle East and foreign policy
When asked about Lebanon and regional tensions, Trump said Hezbollah “has been a problem,” adding that he and Mamdani agree on the need for peace in the Middle East. Mamdani said voters across the political spectrum, including Trump supporters, told him they wanted “an end to forever wars” and relief from the cost-of-living crisis.
Socialism vote and BBC lawsuit
Asked about the House of Representatives’ vote denouncing the “horrors of socialism,” Mamdani—an open democratic socialist—said he was not concerned with symbolic resolutions and remained focused on affordability.
Trump also fielded questions about his plan to sue the BBC for up to $5bn. He said he “likes” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and has a good relationship with him, but noted Britain faces “energy and immigration issues.”
A reset in tone
Throughout the meeting, Trump repeatedly expressed confidence in the incoming mayor: “I think you’re going to have, hopefully, a really great mayor. The better he does, the happier I am.”
Mamdani closed by thanking the president for the meeting, saying the two share “a love for New York City.” Trump added: “We had a great meeting. I hope we do meet again.”
The unexpectedly cordial exchange suggests both leaders are keen to avoid an early confrontation—and may be preparing for a pragmatic partnership despite long-standing ideological differences.
