WASHINTON: President Donald Trump has announced that he will host New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, at the Oval Office on Friday — the first in-person meeting between the two since Mamdani’s election earlier this month.
Trump posted the announcement on his Truth Social platform, writing that the “Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran ‘Kwame’ Mamdani, has asked for a meeting,” adding that it would take place on November 21 with further details to come.
A spokesperson for Mamdani, Dora Pekec, confirmed the meeting, saying the mayor-elect planned to discuss public safety, economic security, and affordability — issues she said more than one million New Yorkers endorsed at the ballot box two weeks ago.
In an interview with MS NOW earlier in the day, Mamdani said his team had reached out to the White House “because of a commitment that I made to New Yorkers, that I would be willing to meet with anyone and everyone, so long as it was to the benefit of the 8.5 million people who call the city home.”
The meeting marks a significant moment after months of acrimony. Trump repeatedly targeted Mamdani on the campaign trail, using the Democratic Socialist politician as a foil and referring to him as “my little communist.” He also warned that he would consider cutting federal funding to the city if Mamdani won the election.
Mamdani, for his part, addressed Trump directly during his victory speech, quipping, “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up.”
Ahead of the election, Trump backed independent candidate and former governor Andrew Cuomo, in an effort to stall Mamdani’s rise.
Returning from West Palm Beach on Sunday, Trump hinted to reporters that a meeting with the incoming mayor was possible, saying, “We want to see everything work out well for New York.”
Even as he previewed the upcoming meeting, Mamdani said he planned to speak “plainly to the president” about the economic challenges facing New Yorkers, noting that cost-of-living concerns were a key issue raised by voters — including those who supported Trump.
