In brief
In a surprising turn of events, Donald Trump met with New York City's newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani at the White House, where both leaders focused on the shared issue of affordability. The meeting, which was initially expected to reignite political tensions, emphasized cooperation with Trump praising Mamdani's potential as mayor. As they addressed the affordability crisis, both leaders managed to sidestep previous confrontations, signaling a possible new chapter in support for New York City’s residents. The future of their relationship remains uncertain as Mamdani prepares to take office.
US President Donald Trump met New York City's newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani at the White House in what was billed as the political showdown of the year - but instead became a praise fest. In his election victory speech, the self-described Democratic socialist mayor called Trump a despot. And before Friday's meeting, the president's spokeswoman had billed Mamdani's visit as a communist coming to the White House. But standing side-by-side in the Oval Office, the two men struck a surprisingly conciliatory tone. Over and over, both men emphasised their shared interest in addressing New York City's affordability crisis. They smiled often, and Trump even appeared amused as reporters asked him about the political attacks Mamdani had fired his way.The rapport was evident from the moment they started speaking to the press. Facing the media after a private meeting, Mamdani stood to Trump's right with his hands clasped, as the president sat behind the Resolute Desk. Their body language was relaxed – particularly Trump's. Not only did Trump refrain from attacking Mamdani, he praised him numerous times. The president expressed hope that Mamdani would be a really great mayor. Mamdani and Trump traded political barbs throughout the mayoral election. Both men deflected multiple questions about their previous statements and pivoted back to praise. Trump even let Mamdani answer a question about whether the mayor-elect thought the president was a fascist. The closest Trump came to criticising Mamdani's politics was telling reporters: He's got views that are little out there.Mamdani and Trump have something in common: they're both New Yorkers, and both have called the borough of Queens home. Mamdani said he and Trump discussed how to deliver affordability to New Yorkers. Whenever he was asked a question about their differing views, the mayor-elect brought the conversation back to this topic. The cordial relations on display on Friday may complicate efforts by Republicans to use the self-described democratic socialist as a bogeyman in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
