US president Trump met New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani at the Oval Office on Friday, and the mood was far warmer than anyone expected. They both spoke about shared goals for New York City instead of their usual fights.During the press interaction, a reporter asked Mamdani if he still believed Trump was a fascist. Mamdani had barely started to reply, ” I’ve spoken about”, when Trump cut in, lightly patted his arm and said, “That’s okay. You can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining. I don’t mind.”
Also read | Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani meeting: 10 key moments from White House Oval OfficeAnother reporter pressed Trump on Republican leader Elise Stefanik’s claim that Mamdani was a “jihadist.” Trump immediately shut it down. “No, I don’t,” he said when asked if he thought he was standing next to one. “I met with a man who is a very rational person.”Trump had previously called Mamdani a “100% Communist lunatic” and a “nut job.” Mamdani had framed himself as “Donald Trump’s worst nightmare.” But on Friday, both avoided personal blows and focused on affordability in New York, housing, groceries, and rising utility costs- issues that shaped both their campaigns.Trump brushed aside old clashes, including Mamdani’s criticism of deportation raids. He joked he had been called “much worse than a despot.” He also stepped in to defend Mamdani when reporters questioned why he flew to Washington instead of taking transportation that used less fossil fuels, saying, “I’ll stick up for you.”Also read |From ‘communist lunatic’ to ‘rational person’: Donald Trump takes a U-turn on Zohran MamdaniMamdani said he had requested the meeting to discuss making New York more affordable. Trump admitted he had earlier warned he might pull federal funds if they did not “get along,” but said he no longer expected that to happen.Mamdani’s incoming chief of staff later told NY1 the two leaders still disagreed on many things but found common ground on safety and reducing crime.Trump had played a major role in the mayoral race. He endorsed Andrew Cuomo, questioned Mamdani’s citizenship and even suggested he could have him arrested if he refused to work with immigration agents. Mamdani, born in Uganda and now a naturalised American citizen, defeated Cuomo by arguing he would “stand up to Donald Trump.”
