From NBC News · Alexandra Marquez · · 1m 20s
Trump and NYC Mayor Mamdani meet again
The president and Democratic mayor have built an unlikely working relationship despite sharp public disagreements.
In brief
The president and Democratic mayor have built an unlikely working relationship despite sharp public disagreements. Trump and Mamdani have moved past initial hostility to develop a pragmatic partnership focused on New York City issues, though they continue to clash on policy. Originally reported by NBC News.
Trump and Mamdani meet Monday
President Trump will visit NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion on Monday while in the city for the United Nations General Assembly.
From insults to respect
Trump once called Mamdani a 'communist lunatic,' but after their first November 2025 meeting, he said he'd be 'cheering' for him and called him 'very rational.'
“I'd be 'cheering' for Mamdani and described him as a 'very rational person.'”
Mamdani calls it productive
In an April NBC News interview, Mamdani described his relationship with Trump as 'honest, direct and productive,' noting they both share deep ties to New York City.
“New York City holds a very special place for him as well as for me.”
They still disagree sharply
Trump attacked Mamdani's pied-à-terre tax proposal as 'SO WRONG' on Truth Social, claiming the mayor is 'DESTROYING New York' with his tax policies.
“Sadly, Mayor Mamdani is DESTROYING New York!”
Mamdani won't soften criticism
The mayor called Trump a 'despot' and 'fascist' during his campaign and defended those remarks even after their first White House meeting.
“That's something I've said in the past and I say today.”
War and affordability collide
Mamdani has blamed Trump's military conflict with Iran for worsening New York's cost-of-living crisis, citing the need to prioritize helping poor residents.
“We always have money for war and not to feed the poor.”
The big picture
Trump and Mamdani have moved past initial hostility to develop a pragmatic partnership focused on New York City issues, though they continue to clash on policy.
