President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will meet New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani Friday in the Oval Office. This will be their first in-person meeting since Mamdani’s election earlier this month.
“Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran ‘Kwame’ Mamdani, has asked for a meeting,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We have agreed that this meeting will take place at the Oval Office on Friday, November 21st. Further details to follow!”
Dora Pekec, spokesperson for the mayor-elect, confirmed the meeting, noting it is customary for incoming city leaders to meet with the president. She said the discussions will cover public safety, economic security, and the affordability agenda supported by over a million New Yorkers.
Mamdani’s team had reached out to the White House to arrange the meeting. “We did reach out because of a commitment I made to New Yorkers,” Mamdani told MS NOW. “I would meet with anyone and everyone if it benefits the 8.5 million people who call the city home and face the high costs of living in the most expensive city in the United States.”
The upcoming meeting comes after months of tension between Trump and Mamdani. The two have exchanged sharp remarks during the campaign and in public statements. Trump has criticized the Democratic Socialist Mamdani, calling him “my little communist” and warning that federal funding for New York City could be reduced if Mamdani won the mayoral race.
Mamdani, in his victory speech, addressed Trump directly, saying, “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up.”
Trump had also teased the meeting during his return to the White House from West Palm Beach. He told reporters, “The mayor of New York would like to meet with us, and we’ll work something out. We want to see everything work out well for New York.”
During the final stages of the mayoral campaign, Trump openly supported former Democratic governor and independent candidate Andrew Cuomo in an effort to slow Mamdani’s momentum. Two days before Election Day, he wrote, “If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, because as a Communist, this once great City has ZERO chance of success, or even survival!”
Looking ahead to the meeting, Mamdani said he plans to speak frankly with Trump about New Yorkers’ struggles, particularly the high cost of living and the challenges facing the city. “I want to speak plainly to the president about what it means to stand up for New Yorkers and the issues they face,” he told MS NOW.
The Oval Office meeting will give both leaders a chance to discuss policy priorities and city needs in a face-to-face setting, marking a rare encounter between two high-profile New York politicians from opposing political perspectives.
