United States President Donald Trump is expected to meet New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House on Friday, marking a surprising turn after weeks of sharp political attacks exchanged during the city’s mayoral race.
Trump, who has repeatedly and falsely labelled the 34-year-old Democratic Socialist a “communist,” announced the planned meeting on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday night, confirming it would take place in the Oval Office on November 21.
Mamdani’s spokesperson, Dora Pekec, confirmed the engagement, noting that the mayor-elect intended to discuss key priorities.
“As is customary for an incoming mayoral administration, the Mayor-elect plans to meet with the President in Washington to discuss public safety, economic security and the affordability agenda that over one million New Yorkers voted for just two weeks ago,” she said.
The encounter brings together two politicians who grew up in Queens, though their political outlooks and public personas diverge sharply. While Trump highlights stock market gains as evidence of economic success, Mamdani has campaigned on tackling the city’s affordability crisis, placing emphasis on housing, childcare, free bus services, and publicly run grocery stores.
Mamdani made history as the first mayoral candidate since 1969 to secure more than one million votes in New York, but analysts have raised doubts about the feasibility of his expansive policy proposals.
Trump, who has taken hardline positions on immigration, has mocked Mamdani’s South Asian surname and suggested federal funding cuts for New York following the Uganda-born politician’s election.
“Mandami, whatever the hell his name is,” Trump remarked at a recent rally, mispronouncing the mayor-elect’s name.
Mamdani responded during his victory celebration, directing his message at the President.
“Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you — turn the volume up!” he said to a cheering audience.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed later that the President had watched Mamdani’s speech.
