US President Donald Trump and New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani held a “productive” and unexpectedly cordial meeting at the White House on Friday. The two leaders, who previously exchanged sharp public attacks, discussed New York’s growing affordability crisis, including rent, grocery prices and rising utilities.
Trump congratulated Mamdani on his mayoral victory and pledged support for his affordability-focused agenda. He said both shared a common goal: ensuring New York City thrives. Mamdani echoed the sentiment, appreciating the president’s willingness to focus on issues affecting New Yorkers rather than past disagreements.
The meeting’s tone marked a dramatic shift from their earlier clashes, with Trump previously calling Mamdani a “communist” and Mamdani labelling Trump a “despot.” On Friday, Trump softened his stance, even joking he had “been called worse.” He also suggested Mamdani could “surprise conservatives” with his leadership.
Trump indicated he would help rather than hinder New York, signalling a pause to earlier threats of cutting federal funding. Both leaders expressed hope of working together on crime, affordability and immigration-related concerns.
