In a move that has captured national attention, US President Donald Trump announced he will meet New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House tomorrow—marking the first face-to-face encounter between the Republican president and the democratic socialist who swept this month’s historic mayoral race.
The two leaders have long stood at opposite ends of the political spectrum, exchanging sharp criticisms throughout the campaign season. Trump openly supported Mamdani’s rival, Andrew Cuomo, while Mamdani consistently challenged the Trump administration’s stances on immigration, police oversight, and US involvement in the Gaza war.
“We have agreed that this meeting will take place at the Oval Office on Friday, November twenty-first,” Trump said in a social media statement.
Mamdani confirmed earlier in the week that his team initiated contact with the White House to set up the meeting. A spokesperson later stated that the mayor-elect intends to travel to Washington to discuss “public safety, economic security, and the affordability agenda,” three pillars at the center of his campaign.
During the heated mayoral race, Trump repeatedly threatened to pull billions in federal funding from New York City if Mamdani won. Yet despite those warnings, Mamdani achieved a decisive victory—positioning himself as a direct counterforce to the 79-year-old president’s policies.
According to the New York State Comptroller, New York City is slated to receive US$7.4 billion (RM30.76 billion) in federal support for fiscal year 2026, representing about 6.4% of total city spending.
Since Mamdani’s rise, Trump has labeled him a “communist,” a claim widely dismissed by analysts and supporters. For Mamdani, challenging federal overreach—especially on immigration—became a defining theme of his message to voters.
Zohran Mamdani is scheduled to be sworn in as New York City mayor on January 1.
