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 emphasised 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, while the president sat behind the Resolute Desk. Their body language was relaxed – particularly Trump. Not only did Trump refrain from attacking Mamdani, he praised him numerous times and expressed hope that Mamdani would be a 'really great mayor'.
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.' However, both deflected multiple questions about their previous statements and pivoted back to praise.
Both men share a New York upbringing, with Trump's childhood home in Jamaica Estates and Mamdani currently residing in Astoria, which fostered a discussion centered around their love for the city. They also aligned on discussing affordability issues, with Mamdani proposing rent control measures while Trump focused on economic stability amidst rising inflation.
Still, potential complications lurk for their nascent cordiality, including differing views on federal immigration enforcement and concerns over local crime. Despite this, Trump expressed confidence that he would feel safe living in a Mamdani-led New York, a sentiment that could complicate Republican strategies leading into the 2026 midterm elections, where Mamdani may be framed as a political foil.
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 emphasised 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, while the president sat behind the Resolute Desk. Their body language was relaxed – particularly Trump. Not only did Trump refrain from attacking Mamdani, he praised him numerous times and expressed hope that Mamdani would be a 'really great mayor'.
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.' However, both deflected multiple questions about their previous statements and pivoted back to praise.
Both men share a New York upbringing, with Trump's childhood home in Jamaica Estates and Mamdani currently residing in Astoria, which fostered a discussion centered around their love for the city. They also aligned on discussing affordability issues, with Mamdani proposing rent control measures while Trump focused on economic stability amidst rising inflation.
Still, potential complications lurk for their nascent cordiality, including differing views on federal immigration enforcement and concerns over local crime. Despite this, Trump expressed confidence that he would feel safe living in a Mamdani-led New York, a sentiment that could complicate Republican strategies leading into the 2026 midterm elections, where Mamdani may be framed as a political foil.
