WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed he will meet New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House, despite weeks of harsh exchanges between the two.
Trump announced the meeting on his social media platform Truth Social, saying he will host Mamdani on Friday.
“Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran ‘Kwame’ Mamdani, has asked for a meeting. We have agreed it will be held in the Oval Office on Friday, November 21. Further details to follow,” Trump wrote.
Mamdani, who repeatedly criticised Trump during the campaign over his anti-immigrant stance and deployment of National Guard troops to cities like Los Angeles and Portland, is expected to raise key urban issues. Many analysts say New York could be next on Trump’s list for tougher federal action.
Mamdani’s spokesperson Dora Pekec confirmed the meeting, saying the Mayor-elect will discuss public safety, economic security and cost-of-living concerns “that over one million New Yorkers voted for”.
Trump’s meeting with Mamdani brings together two men who grew up in Queens but hold very different visions. Trump highlights Wall Street’s strong performance during his presidency, while Mamdani stresses affordability challenges faced by the city’s eight-million-plus residents.
Mamdani, the first candidate since 1969 to cross one million votes in a New York mayoral election, campaigned on cheaper housing and childcare, free bus travel and city-run grocery stores. Analysts, however, question whether he can deliver on his broad promises.
Trump, known for his anti-immigrant rhetoric, mocked Mamdani’s South Asian name during the campaign and even hinted at cutting federal funds for New York.
“Mandami, whatever his name is,” Trump remarked earlier, mispronouncing the Uganda-born politician’s name.
Mamdani hit back during his victory speech. “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you, turn the volume up!” he told supporters.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later said the president had watched Mamdani’s address.
