Trump Offers Support to New yorks Incoming Mayor mamdani in Unexpected Meeting
WASHINGTON – In a surprising display of bipartisan engagement, Donald Trump met with New York City mayoral-elect Zohran Mamdani on friday, offering support and finding common ground on issues of affordability despite their previously stark political differences. The meeting,described by both men as “productive,” centered on the rising cost of living in New York City and potential areas of collaboration between the incoming administration and the former president.
During the encounter, a reporter questioned Mamdani’s choice of air travel over train travel from New York, citing environmental concerns. Trump interjected, defending Mamdani’s decision by emphasizing the time saved by flying and acknowledging the mayor-elect’s busy schedule, stating, “I’ll stick up for you.”
The meeting signaled a potential shift in Trump’s messaging, as he increasingly focused on affordability – a key theme of Mamdani’s accomplished campaign.Mamdani, who galvanized voters with promises to “freeze the rent” and make city buses “fast and free,” characterized the discussion as focused on “a place of shared admiration and love, which is New York City, and the need to deliver affordability to New Yorkers.” He expressed optimism about working with the Trump administration “to deliver on that affordability agenda.”
This stance represents a departure from Mamdani’s election night speech, where he urged Trump to listen as he vowed New York would be “a light” during a “moment of political darkness.”
Trump repeatedly pledged his support, even suggesting his administration would pressure ConEdison, New York’s primary electric provider, to lower rates. He also voiced support for Mamdani’s plans to increase housing construction, noting, “He wants to see a lot of houses created, a lot of apartments built… People would be shocked but I want to see the same thing.”
“We agree on a lot more than I would have thought,” Trump said. “I want him to do a great job, and we’ll help them do a great job.”
