Overview
- The roughly hourlong White House meeting was cordial and centered on affordability issues, including housing, zoning rules (ULURP), utility rates at ConEd, grocery costs, public transit and child care.
- President Donald Trump publicly praised Zohran Mamdani, said they agreed on more than expected, and shared photos and compliments on Truth Social.
- Mamdani reaffirmed that he considers Trump a fascist and a despot, while emphasizing a pragmatic working relationship to deliver cost‑of‑living relief and public safety for New Yorkers.
- Mamdani declined to say whether Trump committed to limit immigration crackdowns in the city; Trump later said he would send federal reinforcements only if New York needs them, as Mamdani cited sanctuary‑city parameters for cooperation.
- Only Mamdani’s chief of staff, Elle Bisgaard‑Church, joined him in the Oval Office alongside Trump and his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, as the unexpected thaw drew mixed reactions across conservative media and online MAGA circles.