President Trump and New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met Friday in the Oval Office for a highly anticipated interview. The meeting went better than most people expected as the two appeared friendly and supportive of each other, a big shift in tone after months of both leaders throwing political jabs at one another.
After the meeting both men spoke positively about their conversation. Trump even gave credit to Mamdani’s campaign and pledged to work with him on some of their shared policy concerns which mainly focus on affordable cost of living for New Yorkers and reducing crime.
“I met with a man who’s a very rational person. I met with a man who wants to see—really wants to see—New York be great again,” said Trump “I’ll be cheering for him.”
“I appreciated the time with the president. I appreciated the conversation. I look forward to working together to deliver that affordability for New Yorkers,” Mamdani said.
“He wants to see no crime. He wants to see housing being built. He wants to see rents coming down, all things that I agree with,” Trump said.
“We agree on a lot more than I would have thought,” Trump explained. “I want him to do a great job, and we’ll help him do a great job.”
It’s unclear whether the meeting will lead to a lasting working relationship. Even though both men want the best for New York they have very different ideas on how to get there. Mamdani describes himself as a socialist. At least it’s a step in the right direction and something we need more of—Democrats willing to have respectful, constructive discussions with Trump.