WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump will host New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House this Friday, November 21, in what marks the first face-to-face meeting between the Republican president and the democratic socialist who stunned the political world by winning the NYC mayor’s race earlier this month.
Trump broke the news Wednesday evening on Truth Social with his usual blunt style:
“Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran ‘Kwame’ Mamdani, has asked for a meeting. We have agreed that this meeting will take place at the Oval Office on Friday, November 21st. Further details to follow!”
The tone was classic Trump. During the campaign, the president repeatedly called Mamdani a “communist,” endorsed his opponent (former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent), and even threatened to cut billions in federal funding to New York City if the progressive won.
Yet just two weeks after Mamdani’s landslide victory—built on promises of free public transit, government-run grocery stores, universal child care, and sweeping rent control—the two men will sit down together.
Both sides are framing the meeting as practical rather than friendly.
Mamdani’s transition spokesperson, Dora Pekec, said Wednesday: “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.”
Mamdani himself had signaled openness to the idea earlier this month, telling reporters, “If President Trump wants to speak about lowering the cost of living or delivering cheaper groceries—like he ran on in 2024—I’m there to have that conversation.”
Trump sounded a more conciliatory note at a press availability last weekend, saying, “We want to see everything work out well for New York,” and confirming he was willing to “work something out” with the incoming mayor.
The meeting comes as Mamdani assembles his new administration. On Wednesday he scored a key win when current NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch agreed to stay in her post, ensuring some continuity in policing as he prepares to take office on January 1, 2026.
Despite the polite statements, real tensions linger. Federal dollars make up roughly 6–7 percent of New York City’s budget, and Trump has already shown willingness to use that leverage against Democratic-run cities. Mamdani, endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, campaigned heavily against several Trump policies, especially on immigration enforcement and U.S. support for Israel.
Friday’s Oval Office session will be closely watched. Can two leaders with sharply different visions find common ground on issues like housing costs, public safety, and groceries—or will it be more photo-op than progress?
For now, the door to the White House is open, even if both men walked through the campaign calling each other names.
