U.S. President Donald Trump met Friday with New York City’s next mayor, Zohran Mamdani, marking a surprising display of cooperation between two leaders who have frequently exchanged sharp words in the past.

Trump, who had repeatedly labeled Mamdani a “communist” during the mayoral campaign, congratulated him during their White House meeting and said he would be a “great mayor.”

Speaking after the meeting, Trump described their discussion as “great,” noting that the two focused heavily on issues central to New Yorkers, including affordability and housing. The president said he was struck by how much common ground they found.

“The better he does, the happier I am,” Trump said. “There’s no difference in party, there’s no difference in anything, and we’re going to be helping him to make everybody’s dream come true—having a strong and very safe New York. And congratulations, Mr. Mayor.”

Mamdani, 34, a progressive Democrat who won the mayoral race earlier this month and will take office in January, emphasized that the meeting revolved around their shared commitment to the city.

“I think both President Trump and I are very clear about our positions and views,” Mamdani said. “What I appreciate is that the meeting focused not on places of disagreement—which there are many—but on our shared purpose in serving New Yorkers.”

The mayor-elect, known for championing progressive policies such as rent freezes and expanded protections for low-income residents, has pledged to fund his initiatives by raising taxes on wealthy individuals and businesses. Despite these ideological differences, both leaders said cooperation would be essential to addressing New York’s challenges.

The unexpected cordiality between Trump and Mamdani signals a potentially pragmatic working relationship as the incoming mayor prepares to assume office in January. (ILKHA)