US President Donald Trump and New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, met in the Oval Office on Friday in what was anticipated to be a politically charged showdown, but instead emerged as a notably cordial exchange between two figures previously at odds. The meeting, held just weeks after Mamdani’s victory over Andrew Cuomo, marked a dramatic shift from the sharp campaign rhetoric that characterized their earlier interactions.
Praise Over Politics
Both leaders share a commitment to fix New York City’s affordability crisis. The affordability crisis is a worry for voters on the left and on the right. both leaders want to help the city. Trump called Mamdani a “communist” before. Warned against Mamdani’s election. In the televised session, Trump praised the mayor‑elect. Trump said, “I met a rational individual.” Trump added, “I encountered someone who genuinely wishes to see New York thrive again. I believe the mayor‑elect wants to make New York better than ever.”
Mamdani thanked the president for the discussion. Mamdani highlighted that Mamdani and the president share a love for the city. Mamdani said, “We ran a campaign focused on the thing: Cost of living.”
Navigating Differences
The rapport between the two men stood in stark contrast to their previous exchanges, with Mamdani having called Trump a “despot” in his victory speech. When asked by reporters about their past criticisms, both deflected and redirected attention to their shared goals, especially affordable housing and lower cost of living for New Yorkers. Trump even joked, “That’s fine, you can just say ‘yes’,” when Mamdani was pressed on whether he still viewed the president as a fascist. Neither leader dwelt on contentious issues like immigration or the Middle East, instead focusing on practical solutions for the city.
Affordability Crisis Takes Center Stage
Both Trump and Mamdani cited the affordability crisis as a critical issue that united New Yorkers across party lines. Mamdani referenced recent data showing one in ten New Yorkers who voted for Trump also supported his campaign, motivated by a desire for leaders who could deliver on lowering costs. “They wanted a leader who would take on the cost-of-living crisis that makes it impossible for working people to afford living in this city,” Mamdani said. Trump echoed these sentiments, pledging to help Mamdani succeed in making New York “great” again.
Political Implications
The warm tone of the meeting may complicate Republican efforts to use Mamdani as a partisan wedge in upcoming elections, especially with control of Congress at stake in 2026. Trump noted that Mamdani “could surprise some conservative people,” while Mamdani affirmed he would collaborate with anyone to make life more affordable for New Yorkers. The future of their working relationship remains uncertain, but both leaders signaled a willingness to put aside ideological divides for the sake of the city’s well-being.