In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump and New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani set aside their past animosity to engage in a cordial and collaborative meeting at the White House. The encounter, which took place on Friday, marked a stark contrast to their previous exchanges, where Trump had falsely labeled Mamdani as an antisemitic communist. The 79-year-old president warmly greeted the 34-year-old democratic socialist, patting him on the arm and expressing optimism about their shared goals for New York City. Despite their ideological differences, the two leaders found common ground on issues such as crime reduction and affordability. Trump, a Republican billionaire, and Mamdani, a rising star in the Democratic Party, pledged to work together for the betterment of the city. The meeting, which exceeded expectations, hinted at the possibility of a professional friendship that could reshape the political landscape. Both leaders laughed off their past insults, with Trump defending Mamdani against Islamophobic slurs and describing him as a ‘very rational person.’ The unexpected camaraderie left many political commentators and lawmakers puzzled, with some Republicans expressing skepticism about Mamdani’s intentions. However, the meeting signaled a potential shift in the dynamics between the two leaders, who had previously clashed on issues ranging from immigration to economic policy.
Trump-Mamdani meet: Foes turn friends? US President all smiles, praise for New York mayor-elect
