Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani meeting: What US President said ahead of the high-stakes encounter

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he expects a “civil” and “fine” meeting with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, despite their sharp political differences and earlier clashes on the campaign trail.

Speaking on the Brian Kilmeade show on Fox News Radio, Trump said he gives Mamdani credit for running a “good race” and believes they share at least one goal. “Look, we’re looking for the same thing. We want to make New York strong,” Trump said. “And you know, there’s such a different philosophy. But I’ll let you know. I’ll let you know over the next year.”

Mamdani is a democratic socialist who arrived in Washington for the Oval Office meeting. Trump said the encounter should be “quite civil”, adding, “You’ll find out.”


The president was also asked about Mamdani’s election-night remark in which the 34-year-old said, “Turn the volume up,” while speaking to Trump through cameras. Trump said he found the line unclear. “He has to be careful when he says that to me,” Trump said. “I said, ‘What does that mean? Turn the volume up. Does that mean? Let’s go at it?’ I don’t think so. He was very nice in calling.”

Trump noted the meeting is set for 3 pm and said he plans to allow reporters in. “I would think so. He’s a politician, so I don’t think he has a problem. The one thing I notice about politicians is the answer is always, ‘Yes’ – other than with Biden,” he said.

Before the election, Trump repeatedly attacked Mamdani as a “communist” and warned he could withhold federal funds if he won. The POTUS even endorsed Mamdani's rival Andrew Cuomo in the NYC race saying he would rather have a "bad Democrat" than a "communist" in the city.