US President Donald Trump met New York City's newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani at the White House in what was billed as the political showdown of the year - but instead became a praise fest.
In his election victory speech, the self-described Democratic socialist mayor called Trump a despot. And before Friday's meeting, the president's spokeswoman had billed Mamdani's visit as a communist coming to the White House. But standing side-by-side in the Oval Office, the two men struck a surprisingly conciliatory tone.
Over and over, both men emphasized their shared interest in addressing New York City's affordability crisis. They smiled often, and Trump even appeared amused as reporters asked him about the political attacks Mamdani had fired his way. The tone of the meeting appeared to strike political observers off guard, but offered a signal that both men understand that tackling the affordability crisis is critical to their political success. Whether the truce will last once Mamdani takes office on 1 January remains to be seen.
Until then, I'll be cheering for him, Trump said.
The conciliatory tone was evident from the moment they started speaking to the press. Facing the media after a private meeting, Mamdani stood to Trump's right with his hand clasped, as the president sat behind the Resolute Desk. Their body language was relaxed – particularly Trump. Not only did Trump refrain from attacking Mamdani, he actually praised him numerous times.
Trump expressed hope that Mamdani would be a really great mayor. Later, the president added he was confident that he can do a very good job.
Mamdani and Trump traded political barbs throughout the mayoral election. A reporter in the room reminded the two men that Trump had called Mamdani a communist and Mamdani referred to the president as a despot. But today, both deflected multiple questions about their previous statements and pivoted back to praise.
The two have something in common: they're both New Yorkers, and both have called the borough of Queens home. Mamdani said they had a shared love of the city. Trump spoke fondly of his hometown throughout the news conference.
Perhaps part of the reason the two men appeared in lock step on Friday was their shared focus on cost-of-living issues. Trump won his re-election last year by relentlessly hammering the issue of high inflation that had frustrated voters in 2024. During his election campaign, Mamdani maintained a laser-focus on the lack of affordable housing.
While they celebrated their shared goals, significant political challenges remain. Questions about federal immigration enforcement and other contentious issues suggest the harmony may be temporary.
