Karoline Leavitt says Zohran Mamdani’s meeting with Trump ‘speaks volumes’ about Democratic Party

WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday, November 20, that New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani coming to the White House to meet President Donald Trump "speaks volumes" about the state of the Democratic Party.

Mamdani had said he is willing to work with anyone, including Trump, to benefit New Yorkers, and called the meeting an "opportunity to make the case for New Yorkers," and added that he would "make that case to anyone".

Karoline Leavitt says Trump is trying to do 'what's right on behalf of American people'

Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday, "It speaks volumes that tomorrow we have a communist coming to the White House, because that's who the Democrat Party elected as the mayor of the largest city in the country."

Moreover, she added that the highly-anticipated meeting also shows that the POTUS "is willing to meet with anyone, and talk to anyone, and to try to do what's right on behalf of the American people, whether they live in blue states or red states — or blue cities." 

Interestingly, Mamdani identifies himself as a Democratic socialist and has rejected the suggestion that he is a communist. That has still not stopped many from continuing to say he is one. 

Donald Trump announced his meeting with Mamdani, and also called the incoming Mayor a "communist".

"Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran 'Kwame' Mamdani, has asked for a meeting. We have agreed that this meeting will take place at the Oval Office on Friday, November 21st. Further details to follow!" the POTUS wrote on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Trump and Mamdani have taken swipes at each other in the past. During his campaign, the New York Mayor-elect vowed to "Trump-proof" the city.

On the other hand, Trump endorsed Mamdani's main opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, which gives this meeting more weight.

Zohran Mamdani to speak with Trump on varied topics

Mamdani told reporters on Thursday, "I know that for tens of thousands of New Yorkers, this meeting is between two very different candidates who they voted for the same reason. They wanted a leader who would take on the cost of living crisis that makes it impossible for working people to afford living in this city."

He added that he was looking forward to speaking with Trump about "the affordability agenda, public safety, and economic security for each and every person that calls the city home."

During an interview with Chris Hayes, Mamdani said, "I want to just speak plainly to the president about what it means to actually stand up for New Yorkers, and the way in which New Yorkers are struggling to afford this city."

"And frankly, cost of living is something that I heard time and time again from New Yorkers about why they voted for Donald Trump. And this is something that is only continued in the last few months of this year, where we’re hearing about child care concerns, rent concerns, Con Ed concerns, even just getting on the bus, just $2.90," he added.