President Donald Trump welcomed New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to the White House for what became an unexpectedly cordial discussion despite their bitter campaign exchanges. The Republican leader had previously denounced the democratic socialist as a radical threat, while Mamdani condemned Trump as a fascist, yet their Oval Office conversation focused on shared concerns about affordability, public safety, and housing development.
The 34-year-old assemblyman secured a narrow victory against Independent Andrew Cuomo with just over half the vote, becoming the youngest person to hold the position since 1892. Trump praised Mamdani's retention of NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and expressed optimism about their ability to collaborate on lowering living expenses and maintaining safe streets.
Both leaders acknowledged significant differences remain on immigration policy, though light moments emerged when Trump dismissed being called a despot and defended Mamdani against Republican criticism.
The 34-year-old assemblyman secured a narrow victory against Independent Andrew Cuomo with just over half the vote, becoming the youngest person to hold the position since 1892. Trump praised Mamdani's retention of NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and expressed optimism about their ability to collaborate on lowering living expenses and maintaining safe streets.
Both leaders acknowledged significant differences remain on immigration policy, though light moments emerged when Trump dismissed being called a despot and defended Mamdani against Republican criticism.
