Trump Signals Potential Reconciliation with NYC Mayor-Elect Mamdani Despite Previous Conflicts

No date for Trump-Mamdani meeting has been established yet.

West Palm Beach, Florida:

President Donald Trump indicated Sunday his intention to meet with New York City's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, stating they will "work something out," potentially signaling a reconciliation between the Republican president and the Democratic rising star who have portrayed each other as political adversaries.

Trump has repeatedly criticized Mamdani over recent months, inaccurately describing him as a "communist" and predicting New York's decline if the democratic socialist won election. The president also threatened deportation for Mamdani, a Ugandan-born naturalized American citizen, and suggested withdrawing federal funding from the city.

Mamdani transformed from an unknown state legislator into a social media phenomenon and symbol of anti-Trump resistance during his mayoral campaign. His platform featured progressive policies and explicitly opposed the aggressive anti-immigration agenda Trump has implemented in his second presidential term.

The 34-year-old candidate connected with diverse New York communities and defeated political veteran former Gov. Andrew Cuomo by nearly 9 percentage points.

During his election night victory speech, Mamdani expressed his desire for New York to demonstrate to the nation how to overcome the president. However, the following day, while discussing plans for "Trump-proofing" New York before his January inauguration, the incoming mayor also expressed willingness to collaborate with anyone, including the president, if it benefits New Yorkers.

Representatives for Mamdani offered no immediate comment Sunday night regarding the president's statements, though a spokesperson referenced the mayor-elect's earlier remarks when he said he planned to reach out to the White House "because this is a relationship that will be critical to the success of the city."

Trump expressed similar sentiments on Sunday.

"The mayor of New York, I will say, would like to meet with us. We'll work something out," Trump told reporters as he prepared to return to Washington after his Florida weekend.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt subsequently clarified that Trump was referring to Mamdani and confirmed no meeting date had been established.

"We want to see everything work out well for New York," Trump said.

Trump's remarks came alongside his statement that the US may soon hold discussions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, following military buildup near the South American country: "I'll talk to anybody," Trump said.