New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has arrived in the nation’s capital for a meeting with President Trump. The encounter, scheduled for 3 p.m. on Friday, marks the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders.
Trump described the meeting as “quite civil,” noting, “I was hitting him a little hard, too, in all fairness.” He elaborated, “I don’t know exactly what he means by turn the volume up, because turn the volume up, he has to be careful when he says that to me.” Trump emphasized, “He was very nice and calling, as you know, and we’re going to have a meeting. I guess we meet at three o’clock today.”
Mamdani, who won the Mayoral election by over 50% of the vote, stated that his team reached out to the White House to set up the meeting. “I will work with anyone to make life more affordable for the more than eight and a half million people who call this city home,” he said. He added, “I have many disagreements with the president, and I believe that we should be relentless and pursue all avenues and all meetings that could make our city affordable for every single New Yorker.”
The House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning socialism, introduced by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.). The concurrent resolution saw bipartisan support, with 285-98 votes. All “no” votes came from Democrats, including reps Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.) and Deborah Ross (D-NC) who also voted “present.”
Trump previously expressed skepticism about Mamdani’s leadership, stating, “It is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, because of the fact that, as a Communist, this once great City has zero chance of success, or even survival.” He warned, “It can only get worse with a Communist at the helm, and I don’t want to send, as President, good money after bad. It is my obligation to run the Nation, and it is my strong conviction that New York City will be a Complete and Total Economic and Social Disaster should Mamdani win.”
