US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met for the first time at the White House on Friday. Both the leaders also spoke to the media after the meeting. The media asked Mamdani if he still considered Trump a dictator. Trump replied, “No problem, say yes, it’s easy to explain.” I don’t care.
The reporter asked why Mamdani was raising questions on carbon emissions, so why did he go to Washington? Trump responded, “Mamdani works very hard and they had to be here; there’s nothing wrong with that.”
The moment was special as the two had exchanged harsh remarks against each other during the New York mayoral election. Trump called Mamdani a “communist lunatic” and a “jihadi”, while Mamdani called Trump a “dictator” and a “fascist”.
Trump no longer considers Mamdani a jihadist
A reporter asked Trump if Republican Leader Alice Stefanik had called Mamdani a “jihadi.” “Does Trump believe this too?” Trump responded without hesitation, “No, I don’t believe so.”
Trump added that during their meeting, he found Mamdani to be a calm, understanding and rational person. “I have met a man who speaks very intelligently,” he said. “I’ll be happy if Mamdani does a good job,” Trump said.
“We want to make New York great again. The better Mamdani does, the happier I’ll be,” Trump said. Trump also said that Mamdani would surprise many conservatives and that some of his views are similar to his own.
Mamdani described the meeting as productive, saying that we discussed rent, food, electricity bills and rising cost of living. We both want to make life affordable for New York’s 8.5 million residents.
“Our goal is to make New York a better city,” Trump said.
After meeting with Mamdani, Trump said that while they may have different views on some issues, the discussions will surely lead to a solution. Trump said that either Mamdani will convince him, or he will convince Mamdani, but ultimately the decision will be what is best for New York.
Trump made it clear that the two leaders have the same goal: to make New York a great city again. He said that if Mamdani performs brilliantly and brings positive changes in the city, he will be most happy.
“I love New York,” Trump said.
Trump said his meeting with Mamdani surprised him, and they discussed many issues openly. He said that while they may have different views on some policies, the goal is to make New York a better city for both.
“I hope I help them, not hurt them, because I want New York to be great. I love New York. I’m from that city,” Trump said.
“I want Mamdani to succeed,” Trump said.
When reporters asked Trump if he would like to stay in New York under Mamdani’s leadership, Trump quickly replied, “Yes, absolutely, especially after meeting him.”
Trump said after the meeting, he felt Mamdani could do a good job for the city. He said he wants Mamdani to succeed because New York’s success is important to both of them.
“Safe cities thrive”
Immigration was a major issue during Trump and Mamdani’s meeting. Both discussed it in detail. Mamdani wants all immigrants living in New York to be protected. He says that the city belongs to everyone who lives here, regardless of their nationality.
Trump said, “I want a safe New York. If the city streets are not safe, nothing will work. Only a safe city can thrive.”
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