Donald Trump hails Zohran Mamdani’s win, says he beat 'a lot of smart people'

President Donald Trump shakes hands with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in the Oval Office of the White House

US President Donald Trump offered an unexpectedly warm welcome to incoming New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani at the White House on Friday, praising the mayor-elect’s upset victory during their first in-person meeting. The two political opposites, who have sparred for months on issues ranging from immigration to economic policy, appeared to set aside their differences in the Oval Office.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist and relatively unknown state lawmaker before his recent win, had requested the meeting to discuss affordability concerns and public safety in New York. But once the cameras were invited in, both men struck a conciliatory tone.

“We agreed on a lot more than I thought,” Trump told reporters, adding, “We have one thing in common: we want this city of ours that we love to do very well.”

Sitting behind the Resolute Desk, Trump beamed at Mamdani as he congratulated him on his electoral performance. “He really ran an incredible race against some very tough people, very smart people,” the president said.

Mamdani also characterized the discussion as constructive. “It was a productive meeting focused on a place of shared admiration and love, which is New York City, and the need to deliver affordability to New Yorkers,” he said.

Trump, for his part, emphasized a willingness to move beyond partisanship: “The better he does the happier I am,” he said.

Trump described the meeting as “great” and “very productive,” offering public congratulations while Mamdani stood beside him. “I just want to congratulate… I think you're going to have hopefully a really great mayor,” he said. “The better he does, the happier I am.”

Mamdani, speaking to reporters later, echoed the tone of cooperation. The mayor-elect said the discussion had been productive, rooted in a shared commitment to their hometown. “I look forward to working together to deliver that affordability for New Yorkers,” he said in the Oval Office.

When asked about previously calling Mamdani a “communist,” Trump maintained that the mayor-elect has “got views that are a little out there,” but suggested he expects shifts once Mamdani assumes office.

“We'll get to see what works or he's going to change, also, we all change. I changed a lot, from when I first came to office. It's now quite a while ago, quite a while,” Trump said, adding, “I think he’s going to surprise some conservative people, actually.”

Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, showed no visible reaction as Trump remarked that “some of my views have changed” over time.

Trump also said he believed their policy differences could be bridged. “I think we are going to work them out,” he said, expressing confidence that Mamdani “is going to change” some of his positions as mayor.

The meeting marked a notable shift from the combative exchanges seen just weeks earlier, suggesting a tentative easing of political tensions as the transition begins.

*With Agency Inputs