Trump lavishes praise on New York’s mayor-elect Mamdani at warm White House meeting | Reuters
New Yorkers often avoid strong praise. Many kept that tone after Zohran Mamdani met President Donald Trump at the White House. The president had spent months calling the mayor-elect a “lunatic” and accusing him of being a communist. The meeting looked polite, and many residents saw it as a positive step, even if they still watched carefully.
Central Park regular John Lani spoke after a long run. He said he did not like Mamdani, yet he appreciated that the new leader entered the Oval Office and handled the discussion professionally. He hoped the visit could bring federal help for the subway and prevent a halt to congestion pricing. He said the real test would come from how the state responds.
Mamdani is 34. He is a democratic socialist and spent three terms in the New York State Assembly. He won the recent election with strong numbers in every borough except Staten Island. People around Columbus Circle and the Trump International Hotel praised the way he spoke on camera with the president. Many still waited to see how he will perform after taking office on January 1.
Voter data from the Center for Urban Research at CUNY showed the neighborhood near Central Park favored former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo ran as an independent in the mayoral race. One voter near the park said they did not support either candidate but hoped both could do well.
The meeting carried weight. Trump could increase immigration enforcement in cities like New York. Federal support also affects major infrastructure projects. Many of Mamdani’s plans, such as free childcare, faster buses, and higher taxes on wealthy residents, need both state and federal funding.
Manhattan residents Sherry and Steve Cohen said they wanted to give Mamdani a fair chance. Steve said Mamdani might be playing the situation wisely by respecting Trump in public to secure benefits for New York. He said that such political gestures often come with the job.
Trump grew up in Queens and built his wealth in Manhattan. He said he wanted to help New York, even though he remains unpopular there. He told reporters that other areas needed National Guard troops more than New York and said the meeting with Mamdani went well.
Shelly Payson supported Mamdani. She said Trump reacts well when others give something he values, even if the gesture means little in practical terms. She said that this strategy can win attention and cooperation from the president.
Residents across Manhattan felt the same. The meeting looked calm. It suggested a working relationship was possible. Many still planned to watch the mayor-elect closely once he starts governing the city.
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