In a surprising political development, former President Donald Trump has indicated he's open to meeting with New York City's newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani, despite their history of sharp political disagreements and public criticisms.
Political Opponents Find Common Ground
Speaking to reporters late on Sunday, Trump revealed that Mamdani "would like to meet with us" and added that "we'll work something out" regarding a potential meeting in Washington. This represents a significant shift in tone from the former president, who had previously launched vigorous attacks against Mamdani during the recent mayoral campaign.
The 34-year-old democratic socialist and former state assemblymember secured his victory in the New York City mayoral election earlier this month, setting the stage for what could be an unlikely political partnership. Trump emphasised that "we want to see everything work out well for New York", suggesting a pragmatic approach to their relationship despite their ideological differences.
From Conflict to Potential Collaboration
The potential meeting marks a dramatic turnaround from the campaign period, where Trump frequently targeted Mamdani with harsh rhetoric. The former president had labelled Mamdani a "communist lunatic" and even threatened to withdraw federal funding from the city if Mamdani won the election.
More controversially, Trump had suggested the possibility of stripping Mamdani of his citizenship, a threat that the mayor-elect strongly condemned as "an attack on our democracy". Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and later became a naturalised US citizen, responded that this represented "an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows".
Trump had thrown his support behind Mamdani's opponent, former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran an independent campaign after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani.
Mamdani's Approach to Governing
Despite their contentious history, Mamdani has consistently maintained that he would work with the president if it meant "delivering on lowering the cost of living for New Yorkers". In an interview with NBC last week, Mamdani explained that he planned to reach out to the White House as he prepares to take office, noting that "this is a relationship that will be critical to the success of the city".
The mayor-elect emphasised his proactive approach to governance, stating: "I will be proactive in the work that I do. And I think that is because of the responsibility that I hold to eight and a half million people of being their mayor, it is important that you are open to working with anyone, no matter what disagreements you may have."
When asked what message he would convey to Trump, Mamdani said he would tell him: "I'm here to work for the benefit of everyone that calls this city home, and wherever there is a possibility for working together towards that end, I'm ready, and if it's to the expense of those New Yorkers, I will fight it."
A History of Mutual Criticism
Throughout the mayoral race, Mamdani didn't hold back in his criticism of Trump and his policies, particularly targeting the former administration's immigration crackdown. However, the democratic socialist has repeatedly stressed his willingness to collaborate with political adversaries when it serves New Yorkers' interests.
In his victory speech, Mamdani delivered a powerful message directed at Trump, stating: "if anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him". He added that "if there is any way to terrify a despot, it is by dismantling the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power."
The mayor-elect concluded with a defiant message: "So, Donald Trump, since I know you're watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up." Later in the same speech, he reinforced this position: "So hear me, President Trump, when I say this: to get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us."
Representatives for Mamdani did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Trump's latest remarks about a potential meeting. Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as New York City's 111th mayor on 1st January, beginning what promises to be an intriguing new chapter in the city's political landscape.
