Trump Acknowledges New York Mayor-Elect Mamdani Ahead of Oval Office Meeting: “He Ran a Strong Campaign”
President Donald Trump praised Zohran Mamdani on Friday before their private White House meeting. On Fox News Radio’s “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” Trump hailed 34-year-old Democrat Mamdani a candidate who “ran a strong race” on November 4.
Trump’s remarks contrast with his volatile Mamdani rhetoric in recent months. Despite Trump’s Republicanism and Mamdani’s democratic socialism, the president predicted a productive encounter. Our goal is shared. Trump told the radio host, “We want to make New York strong,” notwithstanding disagreements.
The two leaders will meet privately at 3 p.m. Eastern sans reporters. Mamdani’s televised victory statement asked Trump to “turn the volume up,” which was originally offensive. Trump joked that political campaigns are intense but hoped for a productive debate.
Trump often criticizes Mamdani. The former president favored Andrew Cuomo and said Mamdani may endanger federal aid during the race. Trump controversially proposed federal immigration enforcement against Mamdani. Trump’s final interview was more cautious, praising the mayor-elect’s campaign.
Three-term Queens Assemblyman Mamdani opposes federal immigration policies and supports immigrant neighborhoods. A Mamdani official restated the mayor-elect’s sanctuary and immigrant rights principles, which are central to his program.
Beyond immigration, Mamdani campaigned on New York’s affordability, especially growing housing costs. He wants higher corporate tax rates, cheaper housing, and temporary rent freezes to help one million New Yorkers cope with rising living costs. Analysts predict economic themes to dominate Oval Office talks.
Mamdani underlined the importance of this initial interaction with the president and promised to accurately describe New Yorkers’ everyday struggles and the policies needed to protect their livelihoods. Trump and Mamdani are expected to discuss practical solutions to the city’s economic and social concerns rather than political posturing while closely watched.
This remarkable development in U.S. political debate shows that leaders with diverse political viewpoints can connect and acknowledge each other despite broad partisan gaps. The conference may inspire future cooperation to strengthen NYC’s infrastructure, economy, and community support services.
Sources:
Fox News Radio
New York City Government Official Statements
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Policy Statements
Public Records of Zohran Mamdani’s Campaign Platform
