Trump and Mamdani strike a cooperative tone and promise joint action on New York costs

President Donald Trump and New York mayor elect Zohran Mamdani met at the White House on 21 November 2025 in a surprisingly friendly encounter that contrasted sharply with their long period of public hostility. Both men adopted a noticeably conciliatory tone as they spoke about shared concerns, especially the rising cost of living faced by residents of New York City.

Trump congratulated Mamdani on his victory earlier in the month and said he believed the mayor elect would do a great job. He added that they agreed on a lot more than he had expected, a remark that struck many at the White House as a marked departure from his earlier criticism. Mamdani responded by saying he looked forward to working with the president on affordability measures, which he described as a priority for both administrations.

The atmosphere inside the Oval Office surprised observers who had anticipated a tense exchange. Trump and Mamdani have sharply criticised each other for months. Trump repeatedly claimed that a Mamdani administration would create what he called a complete and total economic and social disaster. He also warned that he would consider withholding federal funding from the city, sending in the National Guard and even ordering the arrest of Mamdani if he blocked immigration operations.

Mamdani offered fierce criticism of Trump throughout his campaign. He described Trump as a fascist and pledged during his victory speech that anyone trying to harm the city would have to get through all of us before reaching him or his team. Their meeting therefore presented a striking contrast to the rhetoric that had defined the election season.

During the session Trump attempted to project a collaborative tone. He said he could live comfortably in New York City even with Mamdani as mayor and added that Mamdani might even surprise some conservative supporters. When asked about their past disputes Mamdani maintained that he remained committed to his positions but emphasised that he wanted to work constructively with the president on the issues where they agree.

The two leaders discussed a shared agenda focused on living costs in New York City. Both spoke about rent pressures, the price of essentials and the need to deliver practical changes for residents. They agreed that cooperation between federal and city level authorities would be crucial in the months ahead.

Reporters noted efforts by both men to avoid confrontation. Trump brushed aside Mamdani’s earlier fascist remark, saying that such comments did not bother him. Mamdani avoided repeating any of his more pointed statements and instead stressed affordability, public welfare and the need for a stable working relationship. The stage managed calmness suggested that both sides wanted to avoid an early conflict that could overshadow the start of Mamdani’s term.

White House reporters described the encounter as unexpectedly warm. They observed an almost friendly tone as the two New Yorkers exchanged remarks about their shared background and their commitment to the city. The meeting concluded without any sign of the tension that had framed their public declarations throughout the year.

The shift in tone may reflect political considerations for both figures. Trump, now operating within the national framework of presidential leadership, may wish to signal readiness to work with political rivals. Mamdani, preparing to assume office in January, may benefit from establishing a constructive relationship with the federal government.

Whether this newly cooperative spirit will endure once Mamdani takes office remains uncertain. For now, however, the meeting has offered a rare moment of unity between two figures who until recently appeared locked in open confrontation.