President Trump on Monday offered an unexpected olive branch to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, describing the Democratic socialist as a leader with “great potential” following a private meeting at Gracie Mansion. The two sat down ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, which begins Tuesday in the city.
“No, I certainly hope he will be a great mayor,” Trump told reporters after the meeting. “You have to understand — I want what’s good for New York. I want what’s good for the country.”
The president went further, saying, “So, if I had a choice of having him be a bad mayor or horrible mayor, I don’t want that. I want him to be a great mayor, and he’s certainly got potential and great potential.”
Trump’s warm words come after months of sharp attacks on Mamdani’s progressive agenda during last year’s mayoral race. The president had repeatedly slammed the then-candidate over his left-wing policies, including his support for rent control and tenant protections.
But since Mamdani’s election, the two have attempted a working relationship. They met in the Oval Office shortly after Mamdani took office, a session that was notably more cordial than many expected. That tone appeared to carry into Monday’s Gracie Mansion visit.
Trump also took to Truth Social earlier in the day to praise the mayor’s residence, calling it one of his “favorite places in the World.” He noted he had spent “lots of hours there over the years, with some great Mayors, some average Mayors, and some bad Mayors,” and said he was “looking forward” to the visit, adding, “It will be interesting to see how it looks now, invited by Mayor Mamdani.”
Despite the friendly exchange, tensions remain over policy. Trump has accused Mamdani of “destroying” the city with a proposed tax on second homes, a measure the president argues would harm the real estate market and drive away investment. The two leaders are expected to continue their discussions on federal-city cooperation during the UN General Assembly week.
The meeting also comes amid broader friction between the White House and Democratic-led cities, particularly over immigration and public safety. Trump has previously clashed with local leaders over sanctuary policies, but Monday’s rapport suggested a possible detente, at least for now.
Political analysts note that Trump’s praise of Mamdani may be strategic, as the president seeks to project bipartisanship on the international stage. With world leaders descending on New York, the White House is eager to show a unified front on key issues like trade and security.
Mamdani, for his part, has not publicly responded to Trump’s comments, but his office confirmed the meeting was productive and focused on issues affecting New Yorkers, including infrastructure and affordable housing.
