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 tone of the meeting appeared to strike political observers off-guard, but offered a signal that both men understand that tackling the affordability crisis is critical to their political success. Whether the truce will last once Mamdani takes office on 1 January remains to be seen. Until then, 'I'll be cheering for him,' Trump said.
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'. Later, the president added he was 'confident that he can do a very good job'.
Mamdani and Trump traded political barbs throughout the mayoral election. A reporter in the room on Friday reminded the two men that Trump had called Mamdani a 'communist' and Mamdani had referred to the president as a 'despot'. 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'.
Both men appeared to bond over their New York roots, sharing a mutual affection for the city. Their discussion of cost-of-living issues seemed to form the bedrock of their unexpectedly cordial interaction. Trump's focus on economic stability and Mamdani's emphasis on affordable housing suggest a potential collaboration going forward, despite their stark political differences. As the meeting progressed, it became clear that their jointly expressed commitments to tackle the homelessness issue and crime presented an opportunity for them to work together for the benefit of New Yorkers.
