In a stunning display of bipartisanship that caught political observers off guard, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for their first formal face-to-face meeting in the Oval Office on Friday, November 21, 2025. What many anticipated as a clash of ideological titans—in light of Trump’s prior barbs labeling Mamdani a “communist lunatic” and “jihadist,” alongside threats to revoke his citizenship and defund the city—instead unfolded as a session of mutual admiration and shared priorities. Both men emerged beaming, with Trump describing the talks as “tremendously productive” and Mamdani echoing that sentiment, emphasizing their common love for New York.

The gathering, confirmed by Al Jazeera and widely covered by outlets like The Guardian and BBC, centered on pressing urban challenges such as skyrocketing housing costs, grocery prices, utility bills, and overall affordability—issues that propelled both leaders’ campaigns. Trump, a Queens native who has long professed his devotion to the Big Apple, lavished praise on Mamdani’s “incredible” electoral triumph, where the 34-year-old Democratic socialist secured over 50% of the vote against formidable opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, whom Trump had endorsed. “We have one thing in common: We both want this city we love to do incredibly well,” Trump told reporters, adding that he was impressed by Mamdani’s appeal to some of his own voters—one in 10 Queens Trump supporters backed the mayor-elect, according to Mamdani. Trump even quipped about the media frenzy outside, noting, “I’ve met with heads of major countries—nobody cared. Here, hundreds are waiting.”

Mamdani, born in Uganda and a naturalized U.S. citizen who has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and immigrant protections—positions that starkly clash with Trump’s hardline stances—stressed unity over division. “This meeting was productive, centered on our shared goal of serving New Yorkers,” he said, highlighting discussions on rent control, fuel costs, and market reforms. He expressed optimism for aligning on ending America’s “endless wars” and curbing living expenses, recalling a 2024 video where he engaged Trump supporters on these very topics. Despite their differences on immigration and foreign policy, Mamdani framed the encounter as a step toward tangible change for the city’s 8.5 million residents, where one in four lives below the poverty line amid economic anxieties.

The thaw in relations marks a pragmatic pivot for both: Trump, fresh off his 2024 reelection, seeks to project a collaborative image after campaign-season threats, while Mamdani tests his negotiation chops ahead of his January inauguration, relying on federal aid for New York. Protesters gathered outside, some unaware of the amicable vibe, chanting in support of the progressive mayor-elect. As Trump posted photos of the duo on Truth Social with the caption, “A Great Honor meeting Zohran Mamdani,” the unlikely duo vowed to prioritize New York’s revival, leaving analysts to wonder if this “buddy-buddy” rapport can endure policy showdowns ahead.