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Trump and Mayor-Elect Mamdani Forge Unexpectedly Friendly Ties at White House Meeting
Political rivals turn allies? Trump and NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani share laughs, compliments, and pledge collaboration on crime & affordability at the White House.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-11-22
Trump and Mayor-Elect Mamdani Forge Unexpectedly Friendly Ties at White House Meeting

US President Donald Trump and incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani set aside months of political insults in an unexpectedly cordial meeting at the White House on Friday, signaling a new, if cautious, working rapport between two of New York’s most visible political figures.

The 79-year-old Republican billionaire and the 34-year-old Democratic socialist, who have publicly clashed on immigration, economic policy, and urban governance, smiled, exchanged compliments, and pledged collaboration on tackling crime and affordability in the nation’s largest city.

Bridging Political Divides

“We agree on a lot more than I would have thought,” Trump said after letting journalists into the Oval Office. “We have one thing in common: We want this city of ours that we love to do very well.”

Mamdani, who will take office on January 1, described the meeting as focused on shared goals rather than disagreements, noting that they discussed practical solutions for New Yorkers rather than ideological differences.

Past Insults Set Aside

In the weeks leading up to the meeting, Trump had publicly called Mamdani a “radical left lunatic,” a communist, and a “Jew hater.” Mamdani has criticized some of Trump’s immigration policies but espouses Nordic-style democratic socialism, not communism.

Despite their contentious history, the two men were visibly at ease, with Trump defending Mamdani from Islamophobic slurs and praising him as a “very rational person.” Mamdani returned the friendly gestures, laughing off Trump’s past barbs during press interactions.

Focus on Policy, Not Politics

While no new policies were announced, the meeting appeared to signal an opening for collaboration on pressing city issues, including housing affordability, public safety, and public services.

Trump, who previously warned against Mamdani’s election, was reportedly pleased to hear that some New Yorkers who voted for him had also supported the mayor-elect. “Some of his ideas are the same ideas I have,” Trump said, adding, “The better he does, the happier I am.”

A Political Twist in New York

The friendly encounter has surprised politicians and commentators across the spectrum, with some Republicans expressing skepticism, while Democrats like Representative Rashida Tlaib were visibly bemused by the cordial exchange.

Mamdani will become New York City’s first Muslim mayor, and his pragmatic approach during the meeting, combined with Trump’s unexpected warmth, could signal a new chapter in New York political dynamics, bridging generational and ideological divides in the city’s governance.
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