Trump Meets NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani: Cordial, Confrontational or Cooperative?

President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani are meeting in the Oval Office today for their first in-person discussions. The encounter could range from a routine, respectful exchange to a sharp public confrontation — or it could produce narrow areas of practical agreement, particularly on cost-of-living and public safety concerns.

In the Oval Office

Officials close to Mamdani framed the visit as a traditional meeting between the president and the incoming leader of the nation's largest city. Both men are New Yorkers and have been described as politically savvy and media-savvy, which may help them find common ground on some issues despite deep policy differences.

Still, tensions are real. Trump has previously attacked Mamdani on the campaign trail and privately called him 'slick' and a 'good talker.' The president has also threatened to withhold some federal funds and has hinted at using federal resources in ways that could escalate into a high-profile dispute. Analysts note, however, that federal transfers amount to roughly 6% of New York City's budget, limiting the leverage of direct funding threats.

Mamdani said he plans to raise public safety, inflation and the rising cost of living. Those issues — which were central to both campaigns — may offer the clearest path for practical cooperation.

Note: Mamdani shared a selfie from his flight to Washington, underscoring the public interest in the meeting. The Oval Office session is scheduled for 3 p.m. EST.

Five items to watch

1) Ukraine peace proposal: The White House reportedly presented a 28-point plan to Kyiv that includes territorial concessions and limits on the size of Ukraine's active-duty military. The package surprised many U.S. supporters of Ukraine. The White House indicated a Thanksgiving deadline for Ukraine to respond, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the choice facing his country as historically difficult.

2) ACA subsidies: Congressional prospects dim for extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies. Republican leaders are still seeking a unified approach, and President Trump recently discouraged lawmakers from prioritizing an extension. If subsidies lapse, millions of Americans could see higher premiums or reduced assistance.

3) House-Senate friction: Tensions have emerged between House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune over several recent legislative disputes. The visible disconnect complicates coordination on major upcoming items, including defense authorization, budget deadlines and health-care policy.

4) DOJ and Comey indictment: The Department of Justice reversed a prior statement and now says a full grand jury did review the final indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. The earlier misstatement by lead prosecutor Lindsey Halligan has raised questions about courtroom procedure and could be cited in defense arguments asking for dismissal.

5) Coast Guard symbols controversy: Initial reporting described a policy change that would reclassify symbols such as swastikas and nooses as 'potentially divisive' rather than explicitly calling them hate symbols. The Coast Guard disputed that account, and the Department of Homeland Security issued guidance reaffirming that the service 'does not tolerate the display of divisive or hate symbols.' Subsequent reports indicated adjustments to the guidance.

Quick hits

• The FAA is issuing $10,000 bonuses to air traffic controllers with perfect attendance during the 43-day government shutdown.
• Other headlines include renewed debate over the border wall, reporting on billionaire influence in politics, corporate leadership drama related to cryptocurrency ventures, and Eli Lilly's surge amid demand for weight-loss drugs.

Schedule note: The House is in session today, the Senate is not. The 3 p.m. Oval Office meeting between the president and Mayor-elect Mamdani is the afternoon's major event.

Light moment: Today is National Stuffing Day and National Gingerbread Cookie Day. NOAA released its 2025–26 winter forecast. And to finish on a softer note: staff shared a photo of a puppy who fell asleep after a beach outing.