President Trump met New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, in a short but direct visit at the White House. The meeting was not on the public schedule, and it surprised people in both camps because the two have often moved in very different political circles.
A senior aide said the two spoke about public safety, federal support for transit projects, and ways the city can move faster on housing repairs. People close to Mamdani noted that he walked into the meeting with a clear list of city needs, expecting a brief introduction, not an extended conversation.
Supporters of Trump voiced mixed reactions. Some welcomed any attempt to improve the relationship with the nation’s largest city. Others questioned why the president decided to engage so early with a mayor-elect who has taken positions that his base often challenges. Mamdani’s critics also reacted with surprise, saying the visit may signal a new approach from him as he prepares to take office.
The meeting ended after roughly 40 minutes. Both sides called it “constructive,” but neither offered details beyond the broad topics discussed.