President Donald Trump met Zohran Mamdani on Friday and showed clear admiration for him.
Mamdani had earlier called Trump’s administration authoritarian, yet he greeted the president warmly.
Both men repeatedly stressed their shared mission to support New York rather than dwell on past disputes.
Trump had previously branded Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic” and a “total nut job,” but he reversed course.
He said he believed the democratic socialist would surprise conservative audiences.
Mamdani stood beside him in the Oval Office during the comments.
The encounter created strategic openings for both political figures.
Mamdani gained the chance to speak directly with the president.
Trump gained a platform to address concerns about affordability amid rising pressure from voters.
A Meeting Framed Around Affordability
The two men had long fueled their bases by attacking each other.
Their supporters may now question the friendly tone of the meeting.
Trump said he would help Mamdani build a strong and safe New York.
Mamdani said he appreciated the focus on shared goals rather than disagreements.
He takes office in January and requested the meeting to discuss affordability in the city.
Trump had previously threatened to cut federal funding for New York City.
He acknowledged he might have acted if they failed to “get along.”
He backed away from those threats during the meeting.
He said he did not expect such measures to occur.
Observers had feared a heated confrontation after recent Oval Office clashes with other world leaders.
Calm Dialogue Despite Sharp History
Mamdani said earlier he did not worry about public embarrassment during the visit.
He viewed the meeting as an opportunity to present his case despite strong disagreements.
A senior administration official said Trump spent little time planning the meeting.
The official added that threats to withhold federal dollars still remained an option.
The two leaders avoided conflict and kept their comments calm and cordial.
With tensions low, Trump expressed support for Mamdani’s push to expand housing.
He said people would be surprised to learn he wanted the same goal.
