In stark contrast to the vitriolic remarks they made during the mayoral campaign, US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani praised each other after meeting at the White House for the first time since the polls.
Both called the meeting “productive” and said they would focus on improving life for New Yorkers struggling with a cost-of-living crisis. “We’ve just had a great meeting, a really good, very productive meeting. We have one thing in common, we want this city of ours that we love to do very well,” the President said, congratulating Mamdani for running an incredible race against many “smart people.”
When asked whether he would feel comfortable living in New York City under a Mamdani administration, Trump replied, “Yeah, I would, especially after the meeting. Absolutely.”
Mamdani said the discussion centered on delivering affordability for the city’s 8.5 million residents who are finding life in New York increasingly expensive. Topics included rent, groceries, utilities, housing and the broader cost-of-living crisis. “I appreciated the time with the President. I appreciate the conversation. I look forward to working together to deliver that affordability for New Yorkers,” he said.
On the campaign trail, Mamdani had sharply criticized Trump, calling him a despot and arguing that the city that produced him knows how to oppose him. Asked at the Oval Office whether he would retract some remarks, Mamdani said he appreciated that the meeting focused not on disagreements, “which there are many,” but on their shared purpose of serving New Yorkers.
When a reporter pressed whether Mamdani was affirming that Trump is a fascist, Trump interjected as Mamdani began to respond: “That’s ok. You can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining it. I don’t mind.”
