In a surprisingly cordial encounter at the White House on Friday, US President Donald Trump welcomed New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, praising the 34-year-old democratic socialist for his victory — despite months of fierce attacks exchanged during the campaign.
The warm tone, however, did little to mask the stark political differences between the two. Speaking to reporters, Mamdani said that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and insisted that US taxpayer money is helping to enable it — a charge rejected by Israel and previously dismissed by Trump. I’ve spoken about the Israeli government committing genocide, Mamdani said. And I’ve spoken about our government funding it.
Trump sidestepped the comment, saying only that both leaders feel very strongly about peace in the Middle East and reiterating that the US remains committed to the total disarmament of Hamas. Trump, 79, had earlier branded Mamdani a radical left lunatic, a communist, and a Jew hater.
But at their first face-to-face meeting, the president shelved the insults, congratulating the mayor-elect for running “an incredible race,” and suggesting they share more common ground than previously thought — particularly on affordability issues facing New Yorkers.
We agreed on a lot more than I expected, Trump said with a smile as Mamdani stood beside him in the Oval Office. We want this city that we love to do very well. Mamdani called the discussion productive, saying it focused on shared concerns over housing, public safety, and rising living costs in the nation’s largest city.
Addressing accusations of extremism
During the briefing, Trump defended Mamdani after Rep. Elise Stefanik labeled him a jihadist. No, I don’t, Trump responded. I met a man who’s a very rational person. The president also laughed off Mamdani’s past description of him as a fascist. When Mamdani hesitated to repeat the remark, Trump interjected: That’s OK — you can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining. He added, I’ve been called a lot worse. Maybe he’ll change his mind once we start working together.
Synagogue protest controversy
Mamdani was also pressed about a heated protest outside a New York City synagogue earlier in the week, where some demonstrators chanted “globalize the intifada” and other incendiary slogans.“I care very deeply about Jewish safety,” he said, adding that he intends to combat antisemitism across all boroughs.
His press secretary, Dora Pekec, later said the mayor-elect believes political protests should not take place at houses of worship, noting: He believes every New Yorker should be able to enter a house of worship without intimidation.
Uncertain future for federal funding
During the campaign, Trump threatened to cut federal funding for New York City as Mamdani’s support grew. The city is slated to receive $7.4 billion in federal funding for fiscal year 2026 — roughly 6.4% of its budget — though legal experts say it is unclear whether a president can block spending already approved by Congress.
Despite the political friction, the meeting concluded on a conciliatory note, with both leaders pledging to prioritize affordability for New Yorkers. We’ve had a very good, very productive meeting, Trump said. One thing in common: we want this city of ours that we love to do very well.
