The BRICS TimesTrump previously called Mamdani a “communist lunatic,” while the mayor called himself Trump’s “worst nightmare.”
US President Donald Trump met the new New York City Mayor, Zohran Kwame Mamdani, on Friday. This meeting happened despite Trump’s past public attacks on him.
Trump has previously labeled Mamdani a “communist lunatic” and a “total nut job.” Conversely, the NYC Mayor once proudly claimed to be Trump’s “worst nightmare.”
Yet, their customary meeting appeared surprisingly warm. Trump even praised the Democrat’s goals and behavior.
“I think he is going to surprise some conservative people, actually,” Trump told reporters. He spoke from the Oval Office after meeting Mamdani. The President promised he would be “helping” the mayor make New York “strong and safe.”
Mamdani said he “appreciate(d)” the President for focusing on their “shared purpose.” He noted the meeting was about “serving New Yorkers” rather than disagreements.
Trump-Mamdani meeting: Key moments
Trump shuts down ‘jihadist’ remark
Reporters asked about Republican leader Elise Stefanik calling Mamdani a “jihadist.” Trump immediately stopped that line of questioning. “You say things sometimes in a campaign,” the President remarked regarding Stefanik.
He called Stefanik a “capable person” but told the reporter to ask her directly. The President dismissed the insult. He insisted he met a “very rational” man.
“I met with a man who really wants to see New York be great again,” the President added. He noted Mamdani wants to make the city “greater than ever before.” Trump said he would be “cheering for him.”
‘Press has eaten this thing up’: Trump on Mamdani meeting
Trump discussed the huge media interest during their Oval Office talk. “The press has eaten this thing up,” he observed. He noted this meeting got more attention than those with world leaders.
“You know I’ve had a lot of meetings with heads of major countries, nobody cared. This meeting…outside you have hundreds of people waiting,” Trump stated. He felt the press found it a “very interesting meeting.” He called the interaction “great.”
Trump on Mamdani’s ‘fascist’ remark: ‘I don’t mind’
Reporters grilled both men about their past insults. This included Mamdani calling the President a “fascist.”
A reporter asked if Mamdani was “affirming” his view that Trump is a “fascist.” Trump interrupted playfully. He told the mayor to just agree.
“That’s okay, you can say it,” Trump said. Mamdani replied yes. “It’s easier than explaining it. I don’t mind,” Trump said, patting Mamdani’s arm.
‘Time to put working people at the heart of our politics’: Mamdani
Mamdani answered a query about New York’s working class. He feels they are being “left behind” by city politics. The mayor wants to “put those people right back at the heart of our politics.”
He pushed for affordability in front of Trump. “In the wealthiest city in the world, one in five can’t afford $2.90 for the train or bus.” The President supported Mamdani here. He said some ideas “are really the same ideas that I have.”
Trump’s response to living in New York under Mamdani’s administration
A reporter asked if Trump would be “comfortable” living in NYC under Mamdani. The city was once Trump’s “home.”
Trump replied quickly. “Yeah I would,” he said. “Especially after the meeting, absolutely,” the President concluded.
