US President Donald Trump met New York City's newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani at the White House in what was billed as the political showdown of the year - but instead became a praise fest.
In his election victory speech, the self-described Democratic socialist mayor called Trump a 'despot'.
And before Friday's meeting, the president's spokeswoman had billed Mamdani's visit as a 'communist coming to the White House'.
But standing side-by-side in the Oval Office, the two men struck a surprisingly conciliatory tone.
Over and over, both emphasized their shared interest in addressing New York City's affordability crisis. They smiled often, and Trump even appeared amused as reporters asked him about the political attacks Mamdani had fired his way.
The meeting's tone appeared to catch political observers off-guard, signaling that both men understand that tackling the affordability crisis is critical to their political success.
Whether the truce will last once Mamdani takes office on January 1 remains to be seen. Until then, 'I'll be cheering for him,' Trump said.
The rapport was evident from the moment they began speaking to the press. Mamdani stood to Trump's right with his hands clasped, as the president sat behind the Resolute Desk. Their body language was relaxed – particularly Trump's.
Not only did Trump refrain from attacking Mamdani, he praised him numerous times, expressing hope that Mamdani would be a 'really great mayor'. Reflecting on their mutual concerns, Trump remarked on the affordability of living in New York.
This meeting may complicate Republican strategies as they had planned to use Mamdani as a negative symbol in upcoming midterms. Trump's friendly approach could undercut that tactic.
