US President Donald Trump will meet New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House on Friday. The meeting will mark their first face-to-face since Mamdani won this month’s mayoral election. Mamdani and Trump have frequently criticized each other, with Trump supporting Mamdani’s opponent, Andrew Cuomo.
During the campaign, Mamdani opposed Trump administration policies, including immigration crackdowns and US support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict. Trump, meanwhile, threatened to withhold billions in federal funding if Mamdani won. Despite this, the two sides agreed to meet in the Oval Office on November 21.
Read more: Trump to meet New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani
A spokesperson for Mamdani said the mayor-elect will discuss public safety, economic security, and affordability in the city during the meeting. Mamdani’s team had previously reached out to the White House to arrange the discussion.
New York City will receive $7.4 billion from the federal government in fiscal year 2026, about 6.4% of the city’s total spending. Analysts note that the meeting could influence federal-city relations and signal cooperation on key urban issues.
Read more: Mamdani makes Trump’s America great again
Mamdani will officially take office on January 1. His rise as a democratic socialist has challenged traditional political norms, prompting both local and national attention. The White House meeting is seen as a significant step in navigating potential policy differences.