President Donald Trump extended an olive branch to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on Friday, hosting the far-left Democrat at the White House in what turned out to be a surprisingly cordial meeting. Despite their stark political differences, both men emerged from the Oval Office expressing optimism about the future of the city they both called home.
Common Ground on Crime and Cost of Living
During a press conference following the meeting, Trump said he and Mamdani found areas of agreement—particularly when it comes to reducing crime and addressing the city’s skyrocketing cost of living.
“He has views that are a little out there,” Trump quipped, “but I feel very confident he could do a very good job. I think he is gonna surprise some conservative people, actually.”
Mamdani described the discussion as “productive,” emphasizing that their shared love for New York City helped guide the conversation. “This was focused on a place of shared admiration and love … the need to deliver affordability to New Yorkers who are struggling to afford life in the most expensive city in the United States,” he said.
Tense Moment Over ‘Fascist’ Label
When a reporter asked Mamdani whether he still believed Trump was a “fascist,” a label he had previously used on the campaign trail, the 34-year-old hesitated. Trump jumped in to lighten the moment, joking, “You could just say yes.” Mamdani sidestepped the question but acknowledged that about 10% of his voters were Trump supporters. The president responded with a grin: “And I’m okay with that.”
? Funniest. President. EVER!
REPORTER TO ZOHRAN MAMDANI: “Are you affirming you think President Trump is a FASCIST?”
MAMDANI: “I’ve-”
PRESIDENT TRUMP: “-that’s OK. You can just say YES. It’s easier than explaining it, I don’t mind.” *Pats Mamdani on the back*
OMG ?? pic.twitter.com/vBnM9dMi8k
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 21, 2025
Mamdani’s Radical Agenda Meets Trump’s Law-and-Order Focus
Mamdani, a self-proclaimed Democratic socialist, has promised sweeping changes to New York’s governance—including city-run grocery stores, free public buses, $100 million in legal aid for illegal immigrants, and drastically higher taxes on the wealthy.
He’s also pushed to reallocate police funding toward social programs and has refused to condemn the pro-Palestinian chant “globalize the intifada,” raising eyebrows even among some Democrats.
Despite all that, Trump said he was willing to work with Mamdani, particularly on public safety. “If we have known murderers and known drug dealers and some very bad people, we want to get them out,” Trump said. “He wants to have a safe New York. Ultimately, a safe New York is gonna be a great New York.”
An Unlikely Meeting, But One With Real Stakes
Mamdani, who previously mocked Trump on the campaign trail and accused him of authoritarianism, requested the meeting earlier in the week. Trump agreed, and the sit-down took place just hours after the House passed a resolution condemning socialism—an ideological cornerstone of Mamdani’s platform.
Though the two remain far apart on policy, Friday’s meeting signals that Trump is open to cooperation, so long as law and order remain front and center.
“He’s a smart guy,” Trump concluded. “And I think if he loves New York as much as he says he does, we’re going to be able to work some things out.”
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