President Trump to meet with NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamani at the White House on Friday.

In a significant development following a contentious mayoral campaign that saw President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani exchange barbs, both leaders have agreed to meet at the White House. The meeting is scheduled to take place in the Oval Office on Friday, November 21.

President Trump announced the meeting on his Truth Social platform at approximately 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, indicating that the new mayor of New York City, whom he has referred to as “Communist Mayor,” has requested this dialogue. This encounter comes just weeks after Mamdani was elected, representing a new political chapter for the city.

Dora Pekec, a spokesperson for Mamdani, confirmed the arrangement. She noted that the meeting is in line with the customary practice for elected officials transitioning into power. The Mayor-elect aims to engage with the president to discuss pressing issues such as public safety, economic stability, and an affordability agenda that resonated with over one million voters in the recent election.

During his campaign, Mamdani was critical of Trump, and even after his victory on election night, he reiterated his concerns regarding the administration’s policies. Despite this, Mamdani expressed a willingness to collaborate with Trump for the benefit of New Yorkers. He emphasized a commitment to engage with all stakeholders, aiming to tackle the affordability crisis that threatens the livelihood of many residents in a city of 8.5 million inhabitants.

Among the issues Mamdani intends to address during his meeting with Trump is the fate of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). He plans to advocate for the protection of food benefits, which were cut during a recent government shutdown in a political standoff involving Democrats and Trump.

Interestingly, Trump’s rhetoric towards Mamdani appears to have softened in recent statements. After previously mocking Mamdani and suggesting that his administration could jeopardize the city’s future, Trump acknowledged the importance of cooperation, asserting a desire for successful governance in New York.

This pivotal meeting, a rare instance of political leaders laying aside personal animosities, could have significant implications for both the city and its relationship with the federal government. It remains to be seen how this dialogue will unfold and what, if any, tangible outcomes will emerge from such discussions.

As both men prepare for this highly anticipated meeting, the focus will likely remain on their ability to navigate their differences for the benefit of New York City’s future.