Trump says he'll meet with Mamdani and try to 'work something out' with New York's incoming mayor
For months, Trump has attacked Mamdani — incorrectly calling him a “communist” and warning that New York would be ruined if the democratic socialist won.
US President Donald Trump said Sunday that he intends to meet with New York City's mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, and suggested the two would "work something out," hinting at a possible easing of tensions between them.
For months, Trump has attacked Mamdani — incorrectly calling him a "communist" and warning that New York would be ruined if the democratic socialist won. He even threatened to revoke federal funding for the city and suggested Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and later became a US citizen, could be deported.
Mamdani, once a little-known state legislator, gained national attention on social media and became a prominent figure opposing Trump during his mayoral run. He promoted a series of progressive proposals and campaigned in direct contrast to Trump's hard-line immigration policies in his second term.
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At 34, Mamdani won support from a wide range of New Yorkers and beat former Governor Andrew Cuomo by nearly nine points. In his victory speech, he said New York should lead the way in countering the president. Still, the next day he emphasized that he was open to cooperating with anyone — including Trump — if it would benefit the city once he takes office in January.
Mamdani's team did not immediately respond to Trump's comments, but a spokesperson referred back to earlier remarks in which the mayor-elect said he planned to contact the White House because maintaining that relationship would be essential for New York's success.
Trump echoed that tone on Sunday, telling reporters before returning to Washington from Florida that the mayor-elect wanted to meet and that they would figure something out. The White House press secretary later confirmed Trump was referring to Mamdani, though no meeting date has been scheduled.
Trump added that his administration also might soon speak with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro after recent military activity near Venezuela, saying he was willing to talk to anyone.
