In a surprising turn of events, former U.S. President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who have previously exchanged harsh criticisms, shared a cordial and unexpectedly amicable meeting at the White House. Trump, who once labeled Mamdani as a ‘communist,’ ‘jihadist,’ and ‘Jew-hater,’ praised the incoming mayor after a 40-minute discussion, stating, ‘I’ll be cheering for him.’ Mamdani, who has called Trump a ‘despot’ and ‘fascist,’ reciprocated the conciliatory tone, focusing on their shared commitment to serving New Yorkers. The meeting highlighted their overlapping populist appeal, with both leaders emphasizing affordability and addressing the cost-of-living crisis. Despite their ideological differences, Trump expressed confidence in Mamdani’s ability to lead, even hinting at a shift in his own views. The encounter underscored a rare moment of political bridge-building, as Trump acknowledged Mamdani’s rapid rise from a virtual unknown to the mayor-elect of the nation’s largest city. The meeting also touched on contentious issues such as Gaza, with Mamdani reiterating his stance on human rights violations. Trump’s willingness to engage with Mamdani signals a potential shift in his approach to political adversaries, as both leaders seek to harness their populist appeal to address pressing urban challenges.
‘I’ll be cheering for him’: Trump has ‘great’ meeting with NYC mayor-elect Mamdani
