WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met face-to-face Friday for the first time in the Oval Office and struck a notably cordial tone, centering their discussion on affordability — a longtime central issue for both men.
Mamdani, 34, had reached out to the White House to make his case, saying he would “work with anyone to make life more affordable for the more than 8.5 million people who call this city home.” At a Thursday news conference, he emphasized that while he deeply disagrees with Trump on many policies, he viewed the meeting as a concrete opportunity to push for real change on housing, food, and utility costs.
For his part, Trump expressed unexpected praise for Mamdani. Sitting at the Resolute Desk, he complimented him as “very rational” and hinted at a new willingness to support some of his ideas. “I think we agree on a lot more than I would have thought,” Trump told reporters. He added that he would be cheering for Mamdani once he takes office.
The two leaders discussed housing and reducing the cost of food and energy. Mamdani also raised concerns about immigration enforcement, a longtime sore point, particularly over possible escalations in ICE operations.
When reporters pressed Mamdani on his past remarks — including calling Trump a “fascist” — Trump interjected, giving him a lighthearted opening to affirm without fuss. “That’s OK, you can just say yes,” Trump said. “It’s easier than explaining.”
The shift in tone was striking, especially considering the verbal barbs exchanged during the campaign. Trump had repeatedly labeled Mamdani a “communist lunatic” and threatened to withhold federal funds if he won. Mamdani responded during the campaign by pledging to “Trump-proof” New York City — yet he still made the bold decision to seek a sit-down.
Mamdani later described the meeting as “productive … focused not on places of disagreement, which there are many, and also focused on the shared purpose that we have in serving New Yorkers.” He positioned himself not just as a political figure, but as a representative for struggling residents — particularly those burdened by high rents, food prices, and utilities.
Trump, too, acknowledged the significance of their encounter. Citing shared goals, he said he admired Mamdani’s campaign and credited him with running a strong race. He even raised the possibility of helping the incoming mayor rather than blocking him. “I expect to be helping him, not hurting him,” Trump said.
Still, political differences remain. Mamdani’s progressive vision — which includes rent freezes, city-run grocery stores, and universal childcare — contrasts sharply with Trump’s conservative base. And while Trump has softened some of his attacks, past threats to cut funding have not been fully abandoned.
