In stark contrast to the vitriolic remarks they had made during the mayoral election campaign, US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani heaped praise on each other as they met at White House for the first time after the polls.
Both Trump and Mamdani termed the meeting “productive” and said they would focus on transforming the lives of New Yorkers who are currently struggling under a cost-of-living crisis.
“We’ve just had a great meeting, a really good, very productive meeting. We have one thing in common, we want this city of ours that we love to do very well,” the President said.
He congratulated Mamdani for running an incredible race against a lot of “smart people”. Trump responded emphatically when he was asked whether he would feel comfortable living in New York City under a Mamdani administration.
“Yeah, I would, especially after the meeting. Absolutely,” he said.
Mamdani said the meeting focused on New York City and the need to deliver affordability to the 8.5 million people who are struggling to afford life in the most expensive city in the US. He said they discussed issues such as rent, groceries, utilities, affordability, the cost of living crisis, and housing.
“I appreciated the time with the President. I appreciate the conversation. I look forward to working together to deliver that affordability for New Yorkers”.
On being called ‘fascist’ by Mamdani
The Mayor-elect had been critical of Trump in his fiery election speeches, calling him a despot and saying that if anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him.
At the Oval Office meeting, when reporters asked whether he would retract some of his remarks against Trump, Mamdani said, “What I really appreciate about the President is that the meeting that we had focused not on places of disagreement, which there are many, and also focused on the shared purpose that we have in serving New Yorkers.”
To this, one reporter questioned if he is affirming that Trump is a fascist. As Mamdani was about to respond, Trump said, “That’s ok. You can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining it. I don’t mind”.
