President Donald Trump and New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met Friday at the White House and focused more on their shared goals rather than their combustible differences.
The president has previously said Mamdani is a “100% Communist Lunatic” and a “total nut job.” Mamdani has called Trump’s administration “authoritarian” and described himself as “Donald Trump’s worst nightmare.”
At their first-ever meeting they discussed housing affordability and the cost of groceries and utilities, as Mamdani successfully used frustration over inflation to get elected, just as the president did in the 2024 election.
“I think he is going to surprise some conservative people, actually,” said Trump.
Asked if he’d be comfortable living in the city under the incoming mayor, the president said: “I really would, especially after the meeting.”
It had been posited that Trump’s meeting with the mayor-elect could be a fiery display of opposites, but the president was full of praise — and pledges of cooperation — for Mamdani.
There were the jovial pats on the arm, as Mamdani stood alongside Trump seated at the desk, facing reporters.
There were smiles and a handshake. Color rose in Mamdani’s cheeks when he was asked if he still thought Trump was a fascist, as he’s previously referenced him — and Trump told him it was “OK” to just say “yes,” which Mamdani did.
Trump, a New York City native who despite now being a Florida resident, voiced his enduring love for the city. He also said he would be “very, very comfortable” returning there, especially now that he’s met with Mamdani, and that he would help the incoming mayor be successful.
“Ultimately, it’s for the good of New York,” Trump said, of the two men’s goals. “I don’t care about affiliations or parties or anything else. … If he could be a spectacular success, I’d be very happy.”