Trump says Mamdani “could do a very good job” after first meeting

U.S. President Donald Trump struck an unexpectedly positive tone after his first in-person meeting with New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, saying the democratic socialist “could do a very good job” leading the city.

The pair, long at odds and prone to trading public insults, met at the White House on Friday after Mamdani requested a discussion on affordability and public safety.

Trump told reporters his views had “changed,” adding that he felt confident Mamdani would “surprise some conservative people.”

Mamdani, a little-known state lawmaker who won a highly contested mayoral race earlier this month, echoed the president’s sentiment, calling the conversation productive and rooted in mutual love for New York City.

His victory, achieved despite opposition from conservatives and lukewarm support from establishment Democrats, has drawn international attention.

Trump previously labelled him a “communist lunatic” and threatened to strip federal funding from the city as Mamdani rose in the polls. T

he mayor-elect has remained sharply critical of Trump’s immigration policies, which he says disproportionately affect a city where nearly 40% of residents are foreign-born.

Trump is so funny 😭😭😭

The reporter asked Mamdani if he still stands by his comment saying Trump is a fascist, and before Mamdani could answer, Trump said, “That’s okay, you can just say yes… It’s easier than explaining it.” pic.twitter.com/h3imF08DkR

— George (@BehizyTweets) November 21, 2025