United States President Donald Trump has given a warm greeting to incoming New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani at the White House.
Trump praised the electoral victory of the democratic socialist Mamdani after the first in-person meeting between the political opposites, who have clashed over everything from immigration to economic policy.
After months of trading barbs and insults in the media, the mayor-elect and the president appeared to put aside their differences and quickly build rapport in the Oval Office — a setting that Trump has sometimes used to embarrass heads of state.
“We agreed on a lot more than I thought,” Trump said after inviting journalists into the Oval Office following a private meeting.
“We have one thing in common: we want this city of ours that we love to do very well.”
In a display of unexpected camaraderie, former President Donald Trump and political figure Zohran Mamdani found themselves agreeing on several key issues. Their shared perspectives emerged during a meeting that was as surprising as it was notable.
During their encounter, Mamdani stood by as Trump sat at his desk, the pair fielding questions from reporters. The discussion turned to comments made by Elise Stefanik, which prompted a reaction from the media.
Among the criticisms levelled at Mamdani from Trump’s allies was the unfounded and racially divisive claim by Republican Elise Stefanik that Mamdani is a “jihadist communist”.
Stefanik is campaigning for governor of New York in next year’s state election.
Mamdani expressed his impression of Trump, stating, “I met with a man who is a very rational person. I met with a man who really wants to see New York be great again.”
“Republican Elise Stefanik has campaigned multiple times by calling Zohran Mamdani a jihadist. Do you think you’re standing next to a jihadist?”
Trump replied: “No, I don’t.”
“She’s out there campaigning, and you say things sometimes in a campaign,” he continued.
In a lighthearted moment, as Mamdani spoke, Trump interjected with a chuckle, advising, “That’s okay. You can just say yes.” This drew laughter from Trump, who reached out to pat Mamdani’s arm, adding, “It’s easier than explaining it. I don’t mind.”
These interactions highlighted a rare instance of rapport between two individuals from seemingly divergent paths, yet united in their vision for New York’s future. The meeting underscored the potential for collaboration and shared goals, even among those with differing backgrounds and experiences.
In one of the most surreal moments of the press conference, Mamdani was asked by a reporter about previous remarks in which he called Trump a fascist, and whether he stands by them.
Mamdani began to reply before being quickly interrupted by Trump.
“That’s okay. You can just say yes.”
“Okay, alright,” Zohran replied with a smile as reporters chuckled.
Trump then laughed and patted Mamdani’s arm, saying: “It’s easier than explaining it. I don’t mind.”
3. Some of the ‘same’ ideas on affordability
Despite Trump threatening to strip federal funds and send the National Guard to New York as Mamdani surged in the polls, Trump quickly found common ground with Mamdani’s vision for a more affordable New York.
“What we found time and again is that working people were left behind in the politics of our city,” Mamdani told reporters.
“What we’re looking to do is put those people right back at the heart of those politics so we don’t have a situation where we’re in the wealthiest city in the history of the world and yet one in five can’t even afford $2.90 for a MetroCard,” he said, referring to the card used for fare payment on public transport in New York City.
Trump — who once described Mamdani as a “radical left lunatic” — added that they had a “really interesting conversation” and that some of Mamdani’s ideas were “really the same ideas that I have”.
“A big thing on cost, you know, the new word is affordability. Another word is just groceries. And it’s sort of an old-fashioned word, but it’s very accurate.”
4. Trump would live in Mamdani’s New York
Mamdani’s pledges to freeze rents for rent-stabilised units and raise taxes on the wealthiest 1 per cent of the city’s residents had sparked prior criticism from Trump.
Following Mamdani’s victory, Trump commented that he felt wealthy New Yorkers would flee the city in favour of Florida to escape Mamdani’s policies.
At the press conference, Trump appeared to have changed his mind.
“Would you feel comfortable living in New York City under a Mamdani administration?” a reporter asked the president.
“Yeah, I would, I really would,” Trump replied.
“Especially after the meeting, absolutely.”
The reporter asked what had made Trump feel more comfortable.
“We agree on a lot more than I would have thought. I want him to do a great job, and I’ll help him do a great job,” Trump said.
5. It’s okay to fly from New York to Washington
Before the meeting, Mamdani posted a selfie on social media aboard a flight from New York to Washington DC, two cities approximately 400km apart.
During the press conference, Mamdani was asked by a reporter why he took a plane rather than take the “greener” option of a train.
Mamdani used it as an opportunity to promote his plan to make taking the bus free in New York City.
“I’ll use every form of transit, and I want to make sure they’re all affordable in New York City,” he said.
Trump then defended Mamdani, saying: “If he flew, that’s a lot quicker, too. You know, he’s working very hard, that’s a very long drive.”
— With additional reporting by Reuters.
