Highlights
-
Trump warmly welcomes NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani despite months of verbal clashes.
-
Mamdani repeats his allegation that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, while stressing concerns about US taxpayer dollars.
-
Both leaders agree to work together on New York’s affordability crisis, surprising analysts who expected confrontation.
-
Trump distances himself from accusations that Mamdani is a “jihadist,” calling him “a very rational person.”
US President Donald Trump extended an unexpectedly warm welcome to New York City’s incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani during their first face-to-face meeting at the White House on Friday. The encounter brought together two sharply contrasting political figures who, until recently, exchanged bitter criticism over immigration, foreign policy, and economic matters.
Trump, 79, once called Mamdani a “radical left lunatic”, a communist, and even a “Jew hater.” Yet on this day, the president praised the 34-year-old mayor-elect’s historic victory, telling reporters,
“We agreed on a lot more than I thought. We want this city of ours that we love to do very well.”
Mamdani, who describes himself as a democratic socialist, requested the meeting to discuss the rising cost of living and public safety in New York City. Despite the political gulf between them, the two appeared relaxed, even friendly, in the Oval Office. Trump smiled toward him several times and remarked,
“He really ran an incredible race against some very tough people.”
On Gaza and Accusations of Genocide
A crucial moment came when reporters asked Mamdani whether he had accused Israel or the United States of committing genocide. Speaking firmly but calmly, the mayor-elect clarified:
“I’ve spoken about the Israeli government committing genocide, and I’ve spoken about our government funding it.”
He said that many New Yorkers fear their tax dollars are supporting human rights violations abroad instead of helping their own communities afford basic dignity. He added-
“We’re tired of seeing our tax dollars fund endless wars.”.
Trump did not directly respond to Mamdani’s charge but reiterated his administration’s stance:
“We feel very strongly about peace in the Middle East.”
He emphasized the US goal of the “total disarmament of Hamas” and described Hezbollah as a continuing threat.
On Netanyahu and ‘Jihadist’ Accusations
Trump also stated that he and Mamdani did not discuss the mayor-elect’s controversial pledge to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York.
When asked whether he agreed with Rep. Elise Stefanik’s claim that Mamdani is a “jihadist,” Trump rejected the label:
“No, I don’t. She’s campaigning, and you say things during a campaign. I met with a man who’s a very rational person.”
A Moment of Humor and Tension Diffused
At one point, reporters pressed Mamdani on whether he had previously called Trump a “fascist.”
Mamdani tried answering diplomatically before Trump laughed, patted him on the arm, and said:
“That’s OK, you can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining.”I’ve been called a lot worse than despot.”
The meeting ended on a more sensitive note.
When asked about a recent protest outside a New York City synagogue where some participants used hateful language, Mamdani took a firm stand.
Read More: Earthquake Record Again at Gazipur’s Bypile, Second Tremor in 24 hours
In a compassionate and steady tone, he said:
“I care very deeply about Jewish safety and I look very forward to rooting out antisemitism across the five boroughs and every New Yorker who calls the city home.”
His press secretary had already called the protest an inappropriate use of a sacred space, and Mamdani reiterated that all worshippers deserve to feel safe.
Political and Social Context
Mamdani’s rise as the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor of New York City has sparked intense debate. His victory reflected a shift among some voters disillusioned with US foreign policy and rising living costs.
Trump acknowledged that some New Yorkers supported both him and Mamdani, especially those who want an end to “forever wars” and rising living expenses.
Despite political analysts predicting a tense confrontation, the meeting unfolded with unusual harmony. Trump closed the session by saying: “The better he does, the happier I am.”
Mamdani responded by expressing hope that the partnership could deliver affordability and dignity for all New Yorkers.
Two leaders with deeply opposing worldviews choosing cooperation over conflict. Their conversation did not erase their differences Mamdani stood firm on Gaza, and Trump maintained his own stance yet both recognized that New Yorkers expect solutions, not shouting matches.
The warmth between them, unexpected as it was, signaled a willingness to work together on affordability, safety, and dignity at a time when the city desperately needs unity. Whether this moment becomes a foundation for meaningful collaboration or remains a brief pause in political hostility will become clear in the months ahead, but for now, the message is unmistakable: New York comes first.
Source: Bangla Vision
