Trump Praises NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani After White House Meeting, Focuses on Housing and Affordability
In a surprising display of bipartisan civility, President Donald Trump met with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on November 21, 2025, at the White House. The meeting marked a significant shift from the months of prior heated exchanges and insults exchanged between the two political figures.
Despite their stark ideological differences, Trump praised Mamdani’s approach and expressed optimism about the future of New York City under the new mayor’s leadership. “I think this mayor is going to be doing some things that are really great,” Trump said during the meeting, emphasizing that the city is at a critical “turning point.” He added, “It can go great, or another direction, I think you have a chance to make it great.” This acknowledgment came amid ongoing concerns about the city’s rising cost of living and public safety issues.
The Oval Office sit-down focused largely on areas of shared concern, particularly the escalating housing affordability crisis affecting New Yorkers. Both leaders agreed on the need to address rent costs and increase housing availability. Trump voiced his intention to work towards lowering the cost of rent and supporting the construction of new housing units, while Mamdani echoed the priority of achieving affordability for working-class residents.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist and the incoming mayor of America’s largest city, conveyed to the president the urgency felt by ordinary New Yorkers who struggle to afford childcare, rent, and remain in their communities. “What we’re looking to do is put those people right back at the heart of our politics,” Mamdani said, underscoring his administration’s focus on socio-economic issues affecting everyday citizens.
This meeting represents a pragmatic opening of communication channels between the federal government and the new city administration. A source close to Mamdani’s transition team stated the strategy was to emphasize collaboration on affordability and prioritize practical matters over division.
Previously, the two had exchanged sharp criticisms. Trump had publicly labeled Mamdani a “communist,” while Mamdani had criticized Trump’s policies as harmful and fascistic. However, the encounter in the White House demonstrated a willingness to set aside personal and political animosities in favor of addressing pressing urban challenges.
A Trump administration official described the meeting as “more normal than not,” highlighting the mutual interest in New York City’s success. The official added, “One on one the president is a reasonable guy who loves the city. Frankly they both can be charming.” Observers note that this approach could signal a new era of cooperation between diverse political factions aiming for common goals.
The meeting also touched on other civic issues, including discussions on public safety and utility costs, specifically mentioning efforts to reduce electricity prices charged by Con Edison to city residents.
Political analyst Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser, remarked that Republicans should not underestimate Mamdani, suggesting the mayor-elect’s victory could be a “wake-up call” for the party.
As the new mayor prepares to assume office, both Trump and Mamdani appear committed to focusing on practical solutions for New York City’s deep-rooted challenges, offering a rare moment of bipartisan hope amidst a politically polarized landscape.