CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Mamdani: Oval Office Meeting With Trump Was “Productive” — Both Back an 'Affordability Agenda'

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani called his Oval Office meeting with President Trump "productive," saying both leaders agreed to work on an "affordability agenda" focused on housing, child care, groceries and utilities. Mamdani stressed the conversation was candid about their disagreements but centered on practical solutions for New Yorkers' rising costs. He said he trusts the discussion's outcome but will keep pressing the president and the public about the city's needs. Mamdani reiterated his criticism of Trump, calling him a fascist, a remark that prompted a joking response from the president during the meeting.

07:04 AM, 11/24/2025Politics
Mamdani: Oval Office Meeting With Trump Was “Productive” — Both Back an 'Affordability Agenda'

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani said a Friday meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office was "productive" and centered on a shared commitment to an "affordability agenda." The conversation repeatedly returned to the pressing costs facing New Yorkers: housing, child care, groceries and utilities.

Mamdani described the discussion as candid — the two men did not avoid areas of disagreement, including the politics that brought them to this moment — but he emphasized their mutual focus on practical solutions for the city's affordability crisis.

"What I appreciated about the conversation that I had with the president was that we were not shy about the places of disagreement...and we also wanted to focus on what it could look like to deliver on a shared analysis of an affordability crisis for New Yorkers," Mamdani said.

Mamdani, who had pledged to meet with Trump if elected, said he wanted to "establish a productive relationship" to address issues New Yorkers care about. He also said he trusts the conversation they had but will continue pressing both the president and the country at large on the city's needs.

During the mayoral campaign, Trump had publicly attacked Mamdani, calling him "a 100% Communist Lunatic" and suggesting, without basis, that his residency or citizenship could be questioned. Trump also threatened heavy-handed measures to "straighten out New York," including possible cuts to federal funding. According to Mamdani, Trump stepped back from those threats during the meeting and told reporters, "I expect to be helping him, not hurting him."

Despite the cordial tone at the meeting, Mamdani did not soften his criticism of the president. He reiterated that he believes Trump is a fascist, a label Trump responded to with a joking prompt during the Oval Office exchange.

The meeting signaled an unusual moment of cooperation between two political opponents, with both leaders indicating a willingness to work on concrete cost-of-living issues affecting millions of New Yorkers. Mamdani said he will continue advocating vigorously for the city's needs while pursuing a working relationship with the White House.

Similar Articles

Trending