5 Takeaways From The President Trump-Mamdani White House Meeting

NEW YORK CITY — President Donald Trump met Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House for the first time on Friday.

Mamdani and Trump called the meeting “productive" when asked by reporters in the Oval Office. The president said he wanted to work with the mayor-elect on crime and the cost of living for New Yorkers.

Here are some other takeaways from the meeting:

1. Trump Walks Back Previous Threats To Cut Funding To NYC

Trump said he expects to help the mayor-elect, not "not hurt him," when asked about his threats to cut federal funding to the city.

Mamdani and Trump both acknowledged that they differ on a lot of things but agreed on certain issues when it came to helping New Yorkers. The president mentioned that they would work out their differences.

“I think this mayor can do some things that are going to be really great,” Trump said.

2. Mamdani Focuses On Affordability

When asked by reporters if New York City loves President Trump, Mamdani side-stepped the question, instead saying that "“New York City loves a future that is affordable."

“I can tell you that there were more New Yorkers that voted for President Trump in the most recent presidential election because of that focus on cost of living. And I’m looking forward to working together to deliver on that affordability agenda."

The two leaders reiterated that Friday's meeting was more about how to help New Yorkers than any previous disagreements.

“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,” Mamdani said.

“Frankly, that is something that could transform the lives of the eight and a half million people who are currently struggling under a cost of living crisis, with 1 in 4 living in poverty.”

3. Trump Gives Praise To Mamdani And His Rise To Office

President Trump gave praise to the mayor-elect in front of reporters on Friday.

"I think he’s different, and that can be in a very positive way, but I think he’s different than you know, your typical guy, runs, wins, becomes mayor,” Trump said. “He has a chance to really do something great for New York."

The president pointed out that Mamdani was different from your "average candidate."

“He came out of nowhere,” Trump said. “He wins a primary that nobody expected he was going to win. It’s a great, great tribute, I’ll be cheering for him.”

Trump also pushed back against some Republican rhetoric directed towards Mamdani.

He was asked if he agreed with Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is running for New York governor, calling Mamdani a "jihadist."

“No, I don’t,” Trump said. “She’s out there campaigning, and you say things sometimes in a campaign.”

Trump said Mamdani is a very rational person.

“I met with a man who wants to see — really wants to see New York be great again,” Trump said.

4. Awkward Moment Between The Two

When a reporter asked Mamdani whether he still believes Trump is a fascist, the mayor-elect began to answer but was cut off by Trump.

“That’s okay,” Trump said. “He can just say that."

In Mamdani's general election victory speech, Mamdani vowed “to reject Donald Trump’s fascism.”

5. Trump Feels Comfortable In Mamdani's New York City

President Donald Trump said he would be “very, very comfortable” in New York City under Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

When asked if he would feel comfortable living in New York City, Trump said, “Yeah I would – I really would – especially after the meeting, absolutely. We agree on a lot more than I really thought.”