Just weeks after dismissing Zohran Mamdani as “the communist running for mayor” and warning he might cut funding or even leave New York if Mamdani won, President Donald Trump has dramatically shifted his tone, offering praise, support and what many described as an “unexpected friendship offensive.”
During a meeting in New York, Trump congratulated Mamdani on his “incredible victory,” calling his win decisive and impressive. With Mamdani standing beside him, Trump said the two men now had “no differences” after their conversation, adding that he believed the new mayor has the potential to be “a truly excellent leader.”
The president openly dismissed past hostility. When a journalist asked Mamdani whether he stood by having once called Trump “a fascist,” Trump interjected: “It’s okay, you can say yes — I don’t mind.”
Both men discussed key issues affecting New Yorkers, including the housing crisis, food prices and oil costs. Trump said their meeting showed they shared “much more common ground than expected” and promised federal cooperation: “We will help him achieve the dream that everyone has.”
Journalists pressed Trump about earlier threats to leave the city and his warning that he might deploy the National Guard to control crime. Trump avoided the confrontational tone of previous months, stating instead that safety was the foundation for New York’s success. He described criminals in the city as “known killers, drug dealers and very bad people,” but emphasised that Mamdani, more than anyone, wants a safer city.
When asked whether he’d feel comfortable living in New York under Mayor Mamdani, Trump responded: “I would feel very, very comfortable. We agree on far more than I expected.”
For his part, Mamdani described the meeting as “productive” and said it centred on their shared admiration for New York. He stressed that both leaders are focused on improving life for all 8.5 million residents, especially as the cost-of-living crisis leaves one in four New Yorkers in poverty.
“We are very clear about our positions and views,” Mamdani said, “but what I appreciate is that our conversation focused on the common purpose of serving New Yorkers.”
He added that real cooperation could “transform the lives” of millions struggling to survive in the city’s affordability crisis.
