WASHINGTON — A highly anticipated face-off between U.S. President Donald Trump and New York City’s newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani turned into an unexpectedly cordial exchange on Friday, with both men emphasizing cooperation despite weeks of sharp political attacks.

Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, had called Trump a “despot” in his victory speech earlier this month.

Trump’s spokesperson had previewed the visit by describing the mayor-elect as a “communist coming to the White House.”

But standing together in the Oval Office, the two leaders struck a conciliatory tone. Both repeatedly stressed their shared interest in tackling New York City’s affordability crisis and appeared at ease during their joint remarks.

Trump smiled as reporters reminded him of Mamdani’s earlier criticism.

Their meeting, observers said, underscored a recognition by both sides that addressing cost-of-living pressures is politically crucial. Whether the truce will last beyond Mamdani’s January 1 inauguration remains unclear. For now, Trump said: “I’ll be cheering for him.”

Praise instead of punches

After a private discussion, the two addressed reporters with striking friendliness. Trump, seated at the Resolute Desk, praised Mamdani as a potential “really great mayor” and said he was confident in his ability to do “a very good job.” Mamdani stood beside him with relaxed posture as the two exchanged compliments.

The pair sidestepped questions about past insults. When asked whether he believed the president was a fascist, Mamdani pivoted back to policy. Trump jokingly told him, “You can just say yes,” tapping him lightly on the arm.

Trump was even quick to dismiss a question quoting Representative Elise Stefanik, who had labeled Mamdani a “jihadist.”

“No I don’t,” Trump said. “You say things sometimes in a campaign.”

The president’s most pointed comment was that Mamdani holds “views that are a little out there.”

A shared New York identity

The meeting also highlighted their shared roots. Both men are lifelong New Yorkers from Queens—Trump from Jamaica Estates and Mamdani from Astoria. Mamdani referenced their “shared love” for the city, and Trump spoke nostalgically about New York, saying he would be “very happy” if the new mayor became a success.

At one point, Trump mused that he might have liked to serve as mayor himself “in a different political lifetime.”

Common ground on affordability and public safety

A major theme of the meeting was New Yorkers’ concerns over affordability. Trump won re-election last year amid public frustration over inflation, while Mamdani campaigned heavily on housing issues, including proposals to freeze rent hikes on certain apartments.

The two said they discussed ways to “deliver affordability to New Yorkers.”

Mamdani also said he raised concerns about federal immigration-enforcement operations in the city. Trump said the pair found alignment on crime, noting: “He doesn’t want to see crime and I don’t want to see crime.”

Trump added that he would feel safe living in a Mamdani-led New York.

Political implications

The unexpectedly friendly meeting may complicate Republican plans to cast Mamdani as a symbol of the Democratic Party’s left wing ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Republicans had hoped to use him as a foil—labeling him anti-police, anti-capitalist and anti-Israel.

But Trump’s warm reception might weaken that narrative.

The president suggested that Mamdani’s leadership could “surprise some conservative people.” — BBC