In an unexpectedly warm encounter on Friday, US President Donald Trump welcomed New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to the White House, praising the 34-year-old democratic socialist for his election victory despite months of mutual attacks on the campaign trail.

The friendliness did not erase the deep political differences between the two men. When asked by reporters, Mamdani reiterated his accusation that Israel is “committing genocide” in Gaza and asserted that US taxpayer dollars are funding it — a claim firmly rejected by Israel and dismissed by Trump in the past.

“I’ve spoken about the Israeli government committing genocide,” Mamdani said. “And I’ve spoken about our government funding it.”

Trump did not respond directly, saying only that both men “feel very strongly about peace in the Middle East,” and repeated that the US is pushing for the “total disarmament of Hamas.”

The president also noted that he and Mamdani had not discussed the mayor-elect’s earlier vow to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit New York City.

Trump, 79, had previously dismissed Mamdani as a “radical left lunatic,” a communist and a “Jew hater.” But during their first in-person meeting, the president put aside the insults, congratulated Mamdani for running “an incredible race,” and said the two shared more common ground than expected — especially on affordability issues affecting New Yorkers.

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“We agreed on a lot more than I thought,” Trump told reporters, smiling at Mamdani, who stood beside him in the Oval Office. “We want this city of ours that we love to do very well.”

Mamdani described the meeting as “productive,” centered on shared concerns about housing, public safety, and the rising cost of living in America’s largest city.

Responding to accusations of extremism

During the press briefing, Trump defended Mamdani against accusations from Rep. Elise Stefanik, who called the mayor-elect a “jihadist.”

“No, I don’t,” Trump said. “I met with a man who’s a very rational person.”

He also joked about Mamdani’s past characterization of Trump as a “fascist.” When Mamdani hesitated to repeat the accusation, Trump cut in: “That’s OK, you can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining,” he laughed.

“I’ve been called a lot worse than despot,” the president added. “Maybe he’ll change his mind after we get to working together.”

Synagogue protest controversy

Mamdani was pressed about a heated protest outside a New York City synagogue earlier this week, where demonstrators shouted “globalize the intifada” and other inflammatory chants.

“I care very deeply about Jewish safety,” Mamdani said. “I look forward to rooting out antisemitism across the five boroughs.”

His press secretary, Dora Pekec, later said the mayor-elect viewed the use of a house of worship for political demonstrations as inappropriate, adding: “He believes every New Yorker should be free to enter a house of worship without intimidation.”

Federal funding questions remain unresolved

Trump previously threatened to strip federal funding from New York City as Mamdani surged in the polls. The city is projected to receive $7.4 billion in federal support in fiscal year 2026 — about 6.4% of its total spending — though it remains unclear what authority a president would have to withhold Congress-approved funds.

Despite the political storms, both leaders ended the meeting with a pledge to focus on affordability.

“We’ve had a really good, very productive meeting,” Trump said. “One thing in common: we want this city of ours that we love to do very well.”