Trump and NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani put rivalry aside in surprisingly warm Oval Office meeting

In a scene few would have predicted, President Donald Trump welcomed New York City’s incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, to the White House on Friday with smiles, back-pats, and public praise, marking a dramatic reconciliation after months of fierce attacks.

The 79-year-old Republican and the 34-year-old democratic socialist – who once traded insults over immigration, crime, and ideology – stood side by side in the Oval Office and spoke of common ground rather than conflict.

“I like him,” Trump declared, placing a hand on Mamdani’s arm. “The better he does, the happier I am.”

Mamdani, who will become the city’s first Muslim mayor on January 1, responded: “What I really appreciate is that we focused on shared goals for New Yorkers instead of our many disagreements.”

From bitter enemies to unlikely allies

The shift was stunning. During the campaign, Trump had called Mamdani a “radical left lunatic,” a “communist,” and worse. Mamdani had labelled Trump a “fascist” and vowed to shield New York from federal mass-deportation plans.

Yet on Friday, the two laughed off the old barbs. When a reporter reminded them of past insults, Trump grinned and said, “I’ve been called much worse.” Asked if he still considered Trump a fascist, Mamdani smiled as the president interjected: “Just say yes, it’s easier!”

Shared focus on affordability and safety

With inflation and housing costs dominating voter concerns, both men found unexpected overlap. Trump, whose approval on cost-of-living issues sits at just 26% (Reuters/Ipsos), welcomed Mamdani’s push for more housing. Mamdani noted that many New Yorkers who voted for Trump in 2024 later backed him because of worries over rent and groceries.

Trump even floated returning to New York – the city he left for Florida after his first term – now that Mamdani will run it. “Yeah, I would,” he said. “Especially after today.”

Bipartisan shockwaves

The friendly display left political observers reeling. Progressive Rep. Rashida Tlaib posted a clip of the two men joking together with the caption: “What the heck just happened?” Some conservative Republicans remained wary despite Trump’s new endorsement of Mamdani.

For Mamdani, the meeting secured early goodwill from a president whose administration could control billions in federal funding for the city. For Trump, it offered an image of pragmatism and cross-aisle cooperation as he prepares aggressive immigration and economic policies.

In the end, two proud New Yorkers – generations apart in age and ideology – agreed on one thing: they both want the city to succeed.