Trump and Mayor Zohran Mamdani Meet for the First Time After Months of Verbal Clashes

U.S. President Donald Trump and New York’s newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani—two names that have dominated American and global headlines in recent months—finally met face-to-face on Friday. The two political figures, often described as polar opposites, have exchanged sharp words publicly, never sparing each other in their criticisms.

Despite their political rivalry, Mamdani visited the White House at President Trump’s invitation. Many speculated that the encounter might resemble Trump’s tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during earlier controversies. But the outcome surprised the media: instead of confrontation, Trump adopted an unexpectedly warm, almost paternal tone.

On Saturday morning, Trump told reporters that the meeting with Mamdani went “wonderfully well” and was “highly productive.” Speaking to the press, he said, “We had a great meeting. It was truly good and fruitful. We discovered one important common ground—we both want to make this beloved city even better. I congratulated him.”

Trump added, “You are going to have a fantastic mayor. The better he does, the happier I will be. There is no partisan divide here. I think he will surprise some conservatives—and also some very liberal people.”

The biggest surprise of the session emerged when a journalist brought up a past remark: during campaign season, Mamdani had repeatedly referred to Trump as a “fascist.” A reporter asked Mamdani whether he still believes that label applies to the President.