US President Donald Trump hosted New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House on Friday for a meeting that proceeded without apparent conflict despite their radically different worldviews.
Here are some takeaways from their closely watched encounter:
changing the subject
What was Trump’s biggest victory? He changed the subject by changing his rhetoric about Mamdani, whom he had previously criticized as a “100% communist lunatic.”
“We agree on a lot more than I would have thought,” the president said, his occasional scowl replaced by a broad smile as he praised Mamdani, referred to him as “Mr. Mayor” and predicted the success of his tenure as head of New York.
Trump’s warm welcome to Mamdani and their televised tete-a-tete in the Oval Office captivated political enthusiasts and moved headlines into more positive territory for the president after weeks of politically damaging coverage of files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who was once a friend of Trump.
Now that Trump’s poll numbers are falling and some of his policies are failing to gain traction, shifting focus to a different issue is just what Trump needed, and may be a reason not to attack Mamdani again anytime soon.
Affordability Agenda
Trump and Mamdani said they focused their private discussion on the cost of living and affordability, themes central to Mamdani’s victory as mayor. Trump spoke at length about lowering the price of food and housing.
“Some of his ideas are the same ones I have,” said Trump, who said some of his followers voted for Mamdani.
Trump, a former real estate developer, was encouraged by Mamdani’s call for more housing in New York, and Mamdani made a point of saying his campaign had reached Trump’s base.
“When we talk to voters who voted for President Trump, we hear them talk about the cost of living,” he said.
By emphasizing pocketbook issues, the two men largely sidestepped issues of disagreement such as immigration policy and the war in Gaza. But his economic approach also represented smart policy for Trump, as polls show affordability remains the top concern of voters across the country.
The White House has indicated that the cost of living will be one of Trump’s top priorities for next year, ahead of the midterm elections that will determine whether the president’s Republican Party retains control of Congress.
Holding yours
Mamdani, a Democrat, seemed comfortable and confident in the Oval Office. He spoke respectfully of Trump while sticking to the themes of his political campaign.
While the president praised him, Mamdani didn’t actually praise the president and didn’t shy away from critical topics, such as his views on Trump’s immigration policies and how they impact New York.
Both took questions, although Mamdani let Trump choose which journalists to recognize from the press pool, which included New York-focused and right-leaning journalists.
At one point, Trump intervened to support Mamdani when the mayor-elect answered a question about why he flew to Washington instead of taking a train.
“I will defend you,” Trump said, adding that a flight was the quickest way to get to DC from New York City.
Body language
Warmth, familiarity, even brotherhood.
In what could have been a contentious meeting between opposing political poles, Trump and Mamdani radiated friendship in their first meeting since the democratic socialist became mayor-elect of New York City after defeating establishment party figures in the Democratic primaries, notably former New York governor Andrew Cuomo.
Unlike the aggressive meetings Trump has had with some foreign leaders in the same space, the president appeared calm, supportive and even enthusiastic about Mamdani when the two men appeared before cameras.
They showed friendly body language. Trump shook Mamdani’s hand more than once, caressing her with the other in apparent affection, and on other occasions touched him or punched him playfully on the arm, almost paternally, as they answered questions from the press together.
Trump, looking like an elder statesman, sat at his desk, while Mamdani, the younger upstart, stood next to him, hands clasped. Trump wore a wide red tie and Mamdani wore a narrower blue tie, both colors corresponding to their respective party affiliations.
Trump likes winners
Some expected fireworks between the volatile conservative president and the mayor-elect, who reaffirmed his acceptance of the “democratic socialist” label. However, the outcome of the meeting was surprisingly cordial.
Trump suggested Mamdani could “change his mind” on some policies. “I think it’s going to surprise some conservatives,” the president said.
Trump, who praised Mamdani’s performance during the mayoral primary and general election, has always liked winners.
Bringing Mamdani to the White House was not considerably different from inviting a championship sports team, a presidential tradition that Trump enjoys.
And as a New Yorker, Trump may have a certain level of respect for someone who successfully navigated the city’s stormy politics. “Being mayor of New York City is a big deal,” Trump said.
At times, Trump acted as if he were meeting with another head of state. He commented on the media attention the two had attracted, saying it exceeded the scrutiny attracted by some leaders in other countries.
Trump grew up in Queens, where Mamdani now resides, making him the city’s first mayor of that borough. It is possible that both men saw themselves as kindred spirits.
“I love New York City,” the president said.
