US President Donald Trump held a meeting with Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the recently elected New York City mayor, at the White House on Friday a sit-down between two leaders who have traded harsh words in the past.
Trump previously labeled Mamdani a “communist lunatic” and “total nut job,” while the NYC mayor once declared himself Trump’s “worst nightmare.” Despite this history, their customary meeting appeared warm and friendly, with Trump even praising the Democratic mayor’s goals and approach.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office following their discussion, Trump said Mamdani would likely “surprise some conservative people.” The President added he would support the mayor in making New York “strong and safe.”
Mamdani expressed appreciation that the meeting centered on “shared purpose” and “serving New Yorkers” rather than their differences.
Trump Dismisses ‘Jihadist’ Label
Trump quickly rejected Republican leader Elise Stefanik’s characterization of Mamdani as a “jihadist” when reporters raised the comment. “You say things sometimes in a campaign,” the President remarked about Stefanik’s statement.
While defending Stefanik as a “capable person,” Trump suggested the question be directed to her. He dismissed the label after meeting someone he described as “very rational.”
“I [met with a man who] really wants to see New York be great again,” Trump said, adding that Mamdani wants to make the city “greater than ever before” and that he would be “cheering for him.”
Trump Notes Intense Media Focus on Mamdani Meeting
During the Oval Office exchange, Trump commented on the substantial press attention surrounding his meeting with Mamdani. “The press has eaten this thing up,” he noted, observing that the gathering attracted more interest than meetings with other world leaders.
“You know I’ve had a lot of meetings with heads of major countries, nobody cared. This meeting…outside you have hundreds of people waiting,” Trump stated. He described the press coverage as finding the meeting “very interesting” and called the discussion “great.”
Trump Unfazed By ‘Fascist’ Comment
Reporters pressed both leaders about previous statements, including Mamdani’s description of Trump as a “fascist.”
When asked if Mamdani stood by that characterization, Trump interjected playfully, suggesting the mayor could simply agree. “That’s okay, you can say it,” Trump said, after which Mamdani confirmed his view. “It’s easier than explaining it. I don’t mind,” the President responded while giving Mamdani a friendly pat on the arm.
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Mamdani Pledges Focus On Working New Yorkers
Responding to a reporter’s question, Mamdani discussed how New York’s working class has been “left behind” in city politics. The mayor said his administration aims to “put those people right back at the heart of our politics.”
Highlighting his affordability agenda before Trump, Mamdani noted, “In the wealthiest city in the world, one in five can’t afford $2.90 for the train or bus.” Trump endorsed this concern, saying some of Mamdani’s ideas “are really the same ideas that I have.”
Trump Comfortable With Mamdani’s New York
When a reporter asked if Trump would feel “comfortable” living in New York City once his home under Mamdani’s leadership, the President answered immediately.
“Yeah I would,” Trump replied. “Especially after the meeting, absolutely,” he added.
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