President Donald Trump hosted New York City’s newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani at the White House on Friday for a meeting.
To one’s surprise, the meeting took place cordially despite their radically different worldviews.
Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani have been at loggerheads as US president once ordered the arrest of Mamdani if he remained defiant against the administration's massive immigration crackdown.
Moreover, Trump also declined to give federal money to the 34-year-old democratic socialist due to his leftist politics in New York. In response, Mamdani also called Trump a “despot” due to his policies.
The amiable meeting which people expected to be a political showdown, became a praise fest. Here are 5 key takeaways from White House talks.
Throughout the meeting with the New York mayor, Trump was full of praise. Not only did he refrain from calling Mamdani “"100% Communist Lunatic", he extolled the mayor numerous times.
The president even expressed his hopes in Mamdani’s capabilities to be a “really great mayor” and he can do a very good job.
“We agree on a lot more than I would have thought," the president said with a wide smile.
Trump-Mamdani White House talks also focused on their affordability plan and cost of living. The US president hoped to reduce the prices of housing and groceries for the New Yorkers reeling from inflation.
“Some of his ideas are the same ideas I have,” said Trump.
During his election campaign, Mamdani vouched for affordable housing and lesser rents for people.
Trump and Mamdani shared common roots as they both are New Yorkers. According to the mayor, they both had a “shared love” for the city.
Although the US president rarely spends time in his hometown, he speaks highly of the city, saying, “"This city could be unbelievable - if he could be a spectacular success, I'll be very happy.”
What is considered to be a contentious meeting between politically opposite figures, Mamdani and Trump demonstrated tangible warmth and friendliness. The US president appeared supportive, humorous and enthusiastic about Mamdani.
On the other hand, Mamdani also maintained respectful aura and cordial body language throughout the talks.
When the newly elected mayor was questioned about why he flew to Washington instead of taking a train. Trump intervened and supported Mamdani.
"I'll stick up for you," the President stated, validating the flight as the quickest travel method from NYC.
