WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump and incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met at the White House on Friday, setting aside months of political hostility to exchange compliments and pledge cooperation on tackling crime and affordability in the city. The meeting marked an unexpectedly cordial encounter between the Republican former president and the 34-year-old Democratic socialist mayor-elect.
Read More: Trump to meet New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani
During the Oval Office meeting, the two New Yorkers, from different generations and political ideologies, discussed shared priorities for the city without announcing any new policy initiatives. Mamdani, who has advocated for rent freezes and expanded public services, said the focus was on collaboration rather than disagreements. Trump acknowledged that some of Mamdani’s ideas aligned with his own and expressed support for the mayor-elect’s housing initiatives.
President Trump and incoming New York City Mayor-elect Mamdani had an unexpectedly friendly meeting at the White House. Mamdani requested the sit-down to discuss cost-of-living issues and public safety https://t.co/nLfgFEMMtx pic.twitter.com/d6awOUOoWU
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 22, 2025
The meeting came after a period of intense verbal sparring, with Trump previously labeling Mamdani a “radical left lunatic” and a communist, and Mamdani criticizing Trump’s immigration policies. Yet, less than an hour into their first face-to-face encounter, both leaders laughed off past insults and demonstrated mutual respect, with Trump calling Mamdani a “very rational person” and defending him against Islamophobic slurs.
Q: Are you affirming that you think President Trump is a fascist?
MAMDANI: I’ve spoken about–
TRUMP: That’s okay. You can just say yes. I don’t mind. pic.twitter.com/uWZFRcmGxB
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 21, 2025
Mamdani, Uganda-born and the first Muslim mayor of New York City, emphasized shared goals with Trump in serving New Yorkers and reducing the cost of living. Observers noted the meeting’s surprising tone, with some politicians and commentators expressing disbelief at the unexpected camaraderie.
Asked to clarify if he thinks Trump is a fascist, before Mamdani can answer, Trump intervenes and laughs it off, saying, “That’s ok. You can just say yes. That’s easier. It’s easier than explaining.” pic.twitter.com/RfKJd6vAs1
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) November 21, 2025
Trump even indicated openness to returning to Manhattan, remarking that the meeting improved his perspective on the city under Mamdani’s leadership. The encounter appeared to launch a tentative professional friendship despite prior clashes over ideology, policy, and national politics.
Read More: Trump, Mamdani to discuss city issues at White House Friday