Trump, Mamdani Turn Political Rivals into Surprising Allies After White House Meeting. Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump and NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani held a surprisingly friendly White House meeting, despite a history of fiery political attacks. The two discussed shared priorities like housing affordability and rising costs, putting aside previous clashes. Trump praised Mamdani’s ideas, and both signaled openness to bipartisan collaboration for New York’s future. Once fierce critics of each other, President Trump and NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani strike a cooperative tone after Oval Office sit-down, signaling potential collaboration on affordability and urban policy.
Quick Look:
- Who: President Donald Trump & NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani
- What: Surprising cordial meeting at the White House
- Why it matters: Signals possible bipartisan collaboration on housing and affordability
- Key Quote: “I think he is going to surprise some conservative people,” — President Trump
Trump, Mamdani Turn Political Rivals into Surprising Allies After White House Meeting
Deep Look
WASHINGTON (AP) — What started as a bitter rivalry turned unexpectedly cordial Friday when President Donald Trump met face-to-face with New York City’s incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
Despite months of trading insults — Trump once called Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic,” while Mamdani labeled the president “authoritarian” and “his worst nightmare” — the two emerged from the Oval Office surprisingly aligned on key issues like housing, grocery prices, and utility costs.
“He’s going to surprise some conservative people, actually,” Trump said, describing their conversation as “great.”
From Foes to Friendly
Mamdani, a democratic socialist who will assume office in January, requested the meeting to discuss affordability in New York — a topic that both men used to campaign successfully on.
Flanked by reporters, Trump praised Mamdani for focusing on common ground rather than past grievances. “We’re going to help him. We want to make New York strong and safe,” Trump said.
“What I really appreciate about the president is that the meeting focused not on disagreement, but on our shared purpose,” Mamdani said.
When reporters pressed Mamdani on past accusations that Trump is a “fascist,” the president waved it off with a smile: “I’ve been called worse.”
A Shift from Combative Campaigning
The newfound warmth contrasts sharply with their recent political feud. Trump had endorsed Mamdani’s opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and threatened to block federal aid to New York if Mamdani won. He even questioned Mamdani’s citizenship — despite the mayor-elect being a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Mamdani, for his part, leaned into his immigrant identity and progressive values, painting himself as a direct challenge to Trump’s vision.
“I am Donald Trump’s worst nightmare,” Mamdani declared in a primary debate.
Now, that nightmare seems to have turned into something more like mutual respect — if not outright political bromance.
An Unexpected Alliance on Affordability
The real bridge between them? Affordability — a crisis that both men have pledged to address.
Mamdani emphasized rising housing costs and everyday expenses as key concerns for New Yorkers. Trump, also under pressure to show action on inflation nationally, saw an opportunity for bipartisan cooperation.
“Some of his ideas are really the same ideas I have,” Trump acknowledged.
From Drama to Diplomacy
Many expected fireworks, especially given Trump’s history of intense Oval Office confrontations — including dramatic face-offs with foreign leaders like Ukraine’s Zelenskyy and South Africa’s Ramaphosa earlier this year.
But this meeting stayed calm and focused. Even Trump’s earlier threats to strip New York of federal support softened.
“We don’t want that to happen. I don’t think that’s going to happen,” he said, referring to funding cuts.
Political Calculations, Mutual Gains
Both men may see strategic advantage in this unexpected detente.
For Trump, embracing Mamdani offers a chance to reach urban voters and reframe his image as a unifier on key issues like affordability. For Mamdani, sitting down with the president signals political maturity and a readiness to govern pragmatically.
Still, unresolved tensions remain. Trump’s past immigration crackdowns, and Mamdani’s vocal opposition to ICE cooperation, are major points of contention.
“Many disagreements remain,” Mamdani admitted, though he said the meeting was “a chance to make the case for New Yorkers.”
Queens Meets Queens
Mamdani and Trump share roots in Queens — and both are known for their theatrical campaign styles and sharp elbows. Mamdani even borrowed a page from Trump’s playbook during a debate, calling out Cuomo by referencing a sexual harassment accuser in the audience.
But on Friday, that shared brashness gave way to unexpected harmony.
“People would be shocked, but I want to see the same thing,” Trump said, endorsing Mamdani’s call for more affordable housing.
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