New York City, New York, USA: U.S. President Donald Trump said he expects his upcoming meeting with New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, to be “quite civil,” despite months of political tension between the two. Trump has repeatedly threatened to cut federal funding to the nation’s largest city, while Mamdani has been outspoken in his criticism of several Trump administration policies.
The meeting, scheduled for Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. (2000 GMT) at the White House, will mark the first face-to-face conversation between the Republican president and the Democratic Socialist lawmaker, who secured victory in New York’s mayoral race earlier this month. Mamdani sought the discussion to address concerns related to living costs and public safety in the city.
Trump, previously a New York resident and now 79, has frequently attacked the 34-year-old mayor-elect, calling him a “radical left lunatic” and making other unsubstantiated accusations. However, as the meeting approached, Trump softened his tone, acknowledging Mamdani’s electoral success and suggesting their interaction would be respectful.
“I may have gone after him a bit too strongly,” Trump said on Fox News’ “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” adding that he believes both leaders share the goal of strengthening New York.
Mamdani shared a cheerful airplane selfie on social media as he headed to Washington for the meeting.
Trump’s Oval Office discussions have historically ranged from cordial conversations with rivals to tense confrontations, such as past interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Speaking a day before the meeting, Mamdani said he and Trump differ on many issues but emphasised that he is ready to collaborate whenever federal actions support New Yorkers. “And if something harms New Yorkers, I will be the first to oppose it,” he stated outside New York City Hall.
Mamdani’s election has sparked debate among Democrats, with some viewing his victory as a symbol of a shifting political landscape. Born in Uganda, he will be the first Muslim and first South Asian to serve as mayor of New York, a global financial centre and home to 8.5 million residents. His campaign focused heavily on affordability—highlighting the soaring costs of housing, groceries, childcare, and transportation.
Despite inflation remaining a major concern nationwide, recent polling shows only 26% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of rising living expenses, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey.
A report from the New York State Comptroller shows the federal government is expected to contribute $7.4 billion to New York City’s 2026 budget—about 6.4% of total spending. It remains unclear under what authority Trump could withhold funds that are already mandated by Congress.
The two leaders exchanged sharp remarks following the election. In his victory speech, Mamdani said New York could lead by example in resisting Trump’s influence. Trump, when asked about the comment during his Nov. 21 Fox News interview, claimed he did not understand the mayor-elect’s remark about “turning the volume up,” and warned Mamdani to be “careful” with such statements.
Still, Trump noted that the mayor-elect had been polite during their communication and confirmed the meeting would go ahead.
