Trump met Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on Friday in a surprisingly cordial Oval Office session.
He previously called Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic” and a “total nut job.”
Mamdani had called Trump’s administration “authoritarian” but greeted him warmly.
Both men highlighted shared goals to help New Yorkers instead of focusing on conflicts.
Trump praised Mamdani, saying he might surprise conservative voters with his pragmatic approach.
Mamdani acknowledged Trump’s willingness to focus on shared responsibilities rather than disagreements.
The meeting gave Mamdani a platform to engage the most powerful political figure in the U.S.
It also allowed Trump to discuss affordability amid rising voter pressure.
Tackling New York’s Affordability
Mamdani requested the meeting to discuss housing and cost-of-living issues in New York City.
Trump previously threatened to restrict federal funding but did not repeat those threats.
He said he had considered cutting funds if they failed to cooperate, but relented.
Trump reassured Mamdani, “We don’t want that to happen,” emphasizing collaboration over confrontation.
Both leaders spoke calmly despite previous public clashes and heated exchanges with other world leaders.
Cooperation Over Conflict
A senior Trump administration official noted the president gave little planning to the session.
The official added that federal funding threats technically remained, though not raised publicly.
Trump expressed support for Mamdani’s housing expansion proposals, signaling cautious alignment.
The pair avoided confrontation and focused on practical solutions for New York City.
Trump admitted, “People would be shocked, but I want to see the same thing.”
