Trump met Zohran Mamdani, who once branded himself the president’s “worst nightmare,” and spoke warmly about him.
Trump had previously mocked Mamdani as a “100% Communist Lunatic” and a “total nut job.”
He now said Mamdani impressed him, despite Mamdani calling his administration “authoritarian.”
Trump predicted Mamdani would surprise conservative voters as the mayor-elect stood beside him.
Both men highlighted shared goals for New York rather than their past political battles.
The meeting gave Mamdani, once relatively unknown, a rare chance to challenge a global power directly.
Trump used the moment to address concerns about affordability as political pressure mounted.
Supporters of both men may struggle with their cordial exchange after years of hostility.
Trump said he planned to help Mamdani deliver a strong and safe New York.
Mamdani praised the focus on shared purpose instead of disagreement during their discussion.
Affordability Dominates the Conversation
Mamdani said he requested the meeting to address New York City’s affordability crisis.
Trump signaled interest in helping, despite his earlier threats to pull federal funding from the city.
He admitted he had prepared to cut off funds if they failed to “get along,” then backed away.
Trump said he did not expect a breakdown in cooperation to happen.
Reporters noted fears the meeting might erupt into another Oval Office confrontation.
Observers recalled Trump’s tense encounters with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Cyril Ramaphosa earlier in the year.
Mamdani said he did not worry about potential embarrassment and viewed the meeting as an opportunity.
He acknowledged major disagreements while still committing to make his case constructively.
A senior administration official said Trump barely prepared for the meeting.
The official also said the threat to restrict federal dollars still remained available.
A Calm Exchange Signals Possible Alignment
Both men avoided conflict and delivered relaxed, respectful remarks to the press.
Their unusually calm tone contrasted sharply with past rhetoric between them.
Trump expressed support for Mamdani’s efforts to expand housing in New York.
He said many people would be surprised to learn he shared those priorities.
Mamdani takes office in January with affordability as his driving mission.
Their meeting may reshape expectations for cooperation between the city and the White House.
