Trump 'surprised' by how much he agrees with Zohran Mamdani, says ‘I expect to be helping him’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump and New York City's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani found more alignment than either expected when they met for the first time at the White House on Friday, November 21.

The meeting, requested by Mamdani, a democratic socialist, focused on the rising cost of living, public safety challenges, and other issues facing New Yorkers. Despite their ideological contrast and months of public sparring, both leaders emphasized shared priorities.

Donald Trump pushes back on media conflict narrative, vows support for Zohran Mamdani

Speaking to reporters after the discussion, Trump said he was “surprised” by how much common ground he shared with the incoming mayor, especially on core urban concerns.

“We had a meeting today that actually surprised me. He wants to see no crime. He wants to see housing being built. He wants to see rents coming down. All things that I agree with," Trump said.

He added that while they may differ on the approach, their goals were aligned. “One of the things I really gleaned very, very much today — he’d like to see them come down ideally by building a lot of additional housing. That’s the ultimate way… He agrees with that and so do I.”

Trump also took aim at media narratives portraying hostility between the two, saying his focus was on the city’s welfare, not political fights.

“If I read the newspapers and the stories, I don’t hear that. But I heard him say it today and I think that’s a very positive step… I expect to be helping him, not hurting him. I want New York City to be great. I love New York City. It’s where I come from.”

Donald Trump congratulates Zohran Mamdani, highlights shared commitment to New York City

Trump congratulated Mamdani on what he described as an “incredible race against some very tough people, very smart people.” He said the discussion made clear that they both want a thriving New York City

“We agreed on a lot more than I thought,” Trump said, noting that they shared “one thing in common: we want this city of ours that we love to do very well.”

Mamdani echoed that sentiment, calling the meeting “productive.”

“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,” Mamdani said

Trump ended by saying, “The better he does, the happier I am,” framing the encounter as a moment of cooperation after months of disagreements over immigration, affordability, and the city’s financial stability.

The display of cordiality marked a notable shift from the sharp exchanges that had defined their relationship throughout the campaign season.