In a surprising turn of events, President Trump extended his support to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani during a meeting at the White House on Friday. The encounter marked a significant shift from Trump’s earlier criticisms, where he had labeled Mamdani as a “communist.”

Speaking from the Oval Office with Mamdani by his side, Trump expressed optimism about the incoming mayor’s potential. “I believe you’re going to have, hopefully, a really great mayor. The better he does, the happier I am,” Trump stated. “There’s no difference in party, there’s no difference in anything. We’re committed to assisting him in realizing everyone’s dreams, ensuring New York is strong and very safe.”

President Trump went on to describe Mamdani as “rational” and assured that he would be rooting for him as he steps into his new role.

The meeting’s agenda included discussions on housing issues and strategies to reduce the costs of food and energy.

Mamdani also brought up the topic of immigration enforcement in New York City, voicing his concerns about the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the area.

Asked specifically about his past attacks on Mamdani calling him a “communist,” Trump suggested the mayor-elect may change his views and even impress some conservatives.

“He’s got views that are a little out there, but who knows. I mean, we’re going to see what works. He’s going to change, also. I changed a lot,” Trump said. “I feel very confident that he can do a very good job. I think he is going to surprise some conservative people, actually.”

Mamdani was asked about his criticisms of Trump, which included calling him a “despot.” Mamdani argued he and Trump were in agreement on the issue of affordability and bringing down costs despite ideological disagreements.

“I’ve been called much worse than a despot,” Trump said.

The amicable appearance between the two men came as something of a shock given the past rhetoric between the two men. 

Trump spent months railing against Mamdani, who is a Democratic Socialist, as a “communist” and threatening to withhold federal funding from New York City if Mamdani implemented certain policies. Trump urged voters in the final days of the campaign to back former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) in the mayoral race.

Mamdani centered his campaign on the issue of affordability and bringing down costs, an issue that helped carry Democrats to victories in statewide elections in Virginia and New Jersey. But the mayor-elect has also vowed to push back on any efforts by Trump to cut off federal funding or impose federal pressure on the city.