Trump, Mamdani have shockingly chummy White House Q&A
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President Trump meets with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for the first time in the Oval Office Nov. 21, 2025. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
After weeks of combative comments, President Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani had what was deemed a "very productive" meeting on Friday at the White House.
Why it matters: Friday marked the first in-person meeting for the pair, who said their time together included a discussion on New York City's affordability crisis and crime.
- Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after the meeting's end, Trump said he would be comfortable living in New York City with Mamdani in charge, and that he believes the democratic socialist will surprise some conservatives.
- It was a marked change from the charged comments the president has leveled at Mamdani both during his campaign and after he won the race earlier this month.
- At times, Trump had asserted that Mamdani was a communist and threatened to withhold federal funds for the city if he were elected as mayor. Mamdani has criticized the Trump administration's policies against transgender individuals and immigration.
The intrigue: When asked if Mamdani supports his previous comments calling Trump a "fascist," the president told the mayor-elect, "That's okay, you can just say yes."
- "It's easier than explaining it," Trump joked while patting Mamdani on the arm in one of several playful moments between the two.
Zoom out: Mamdani said Trump shares his goal of listening to constituents and that both intend to hear New Yorkers' concerns about the cost of groceries, rent and childcare.
- Trump added that while he and Mamdani will "work out" their differences over ICE's role in the U.S., they plan to "work together" to make New York's streets safer.
What they're saying: "The better he does, the happier I am," Trump said to reporters in the Oval Office Friday after the meeting's end. "I will say there's no difference in party ... we're going to be helping him to make everybody's dream come true."
- Mamdani said he appreciated meeting with Trump, and that their conversation was based on "shared admiration and love" to help New Yorkers "who are struggling to afford life in the most expensive city in the United States of America."
- "We agree on a lot more than I would have thought," Trump said.
Worth noting: Mamdani was the first candidate in more than 50 years to win more than a million votes in a New York City mayoral election.
- He will be sworn in on Jan. 1 as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of the city. He's also the city's youngest mayor in at least a century.
State of play: His example could become a model for the Democratic Party in the 2026 midterm elections, though congressional Republicans plan to "weaponize" him.
Go deeper: What to know about Trump-Mamdani feud ahead of White House meeting
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional context and remarks.
