Anticipation built throughout the day as hundreds of reporters from outlets around the world waited near the West Wing portico to witness the arrival of Mamdani.
The wait proved fruitless, as he entered the complex undetected through an undisclosed side entrance.
The meeting between the two men, who have traded barbs over the past few months, was cordial and constructive, according to both.
Finding Common Ground
The president told reporters in the Oval Office that the talk focused on the two leaders’ commonalities.“We had a meeting today that actually surprised me,” Trump said.
He repeatedly mentioned that shared objectives overshadowed ideological contrasts.
Both said they set aside their differences to work toward a successful future.
“It was a productive meeting focused on a place of shared admiration and love, which is New York City and the need to deliver affordability to New Yorkers,” Mamdani said, noting that approximately 8.5 million people reside in the city with the highest cost of living nationwide.
Looking to Lower Housing Costs
The two said that more housing is needed to increase supply and reduce prices.“He wants to see a lot of houses created, a lot of apartments built,” Trump said. “And, actually, people would be shocked, but I want to see the same thing.”
The incoming mayor spoke of meeting Trump voters while on the campaign trail who shared similar concerns about prices and quality of life.
“We focus on the same cost of living, and that’s where I am really looking forward to delivering for New Yorkers in partnership with the president on the affordability agenda,” Mamdani said.
Reducing energy and food costs are top-of-mind priorities for both.
Both Want to Reduce Crime
The president underscored his commitment to improving public safety nationwide while describing his in-depth talks with Mamdani about crime.“The mayor wants to have peace,” Trump said.
“So we’re going to work together. We’re going to make sure that if there are horrible people there, we want to get them out.”
Mamdani vowed to keep the New York City Police Department (NYPD) headcount at 35,000 and prioritize responses to improve performance.
“I look forward to delivering public safety with the NYPD,” he said. “I think the key thing is that we have to make it easier for police to focus on police work, not ask them to respond to 200,000 mental health calls.”
Trump ‘Cheering’ for Mamdani
Throughout the discussion, the president congratulated Mamdani on his decisive electoral victory and said he was “cheering” for his success.“The better he does, the happier I am,” Trump said. “There’s no difference in anything, and we’re going to be helping him to make everybody’s dream come true, having a strong and very safe New York.”
When asked whether he would feel comfortable living in New York City under a Mamdani administration, he answered affirmatively.
“Especially after the meeting. Absolutely, we agree a lot more than I would have thought,” Trump said. “I want him to do a great job, and we’ll help him do a great job.”
He described their interaction as positive and expressed interest in future meetings.
Trump Laughs Off Political Rhetoric
Multiple reporters asked Trump and Mamdani about their various comments targeting each other in recent months.The president twice defended his guest, first when the incoming mayor was questioned about calling Trump a “despot.”
“I’ve been called much worse than a despot,” Trump said. “So it’s not that insulting.”
He later stopped Mamdani from responding to an inquiry about calling him a “fascist.”
“That’s OK,” Trump said while laughing. “You can just say yes. ... It’s easier than explaining it.”
Another reporter brought up a quote from Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) calling Mamdani a “jihadist.”
“She’s out there campaigning, and you say things sometimes in a campaign,” Trump said.
