November 21, 2025
Trump reverses from calling mayor his "worst nightmare" to offering help, showing pattern of making peace with critics
On Nov. 21, 2025, President Trump met with New York City Mayor-elect 
Zohran Mamdani at the White House in what Trump called a cordial meeting. Trump told reporters "I want to be helping him, not hurting him" about Mamdani''s upcoming mayoralty. During the campaign, Trump called Mamdani "my worst nightmare" and attacked him relentlessly for his Democratic Socialist views and support for Palestinian rights. Mamdani told NBC News after the meeting he still believes Trump is a fascist but came seeking federal resources for New York. The meeting represents Trump''s pattern of making peace with former critics when politically advantageous.
On Nov. 21, 2025, President Trump met with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House for what Trump described as a cordial meeting. Trump told reporters I want to be helping him, not hurting him and predicted Mamdani will do a great job as mayor. The meeting came just weeks after Trump called Mamdani my worst nightmare during the mayoral campaign.
Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist who served in the New York State Assembly representing Astoria, Queens, won the New York City mayoral election in November 2025. He'll be sworn in as mayor on Jan. 1, 2026. Mamdani campaigned on progressive policies including universal childcare, Medicare for All at the city level, and major housing investments. He also vocally supports Palestinian rights and has criticized U.S. support for Israel's actions in Gaza.
During Mamdani's mayoral campaign, Trump repeatedly attacked him on social media and at rallies. Trump called Mamdani a radical socialist, claimed he would destroy New York City, and said electing him would be a disaster for law enforcement. Trump posted that Mamdani was my worst nightmare and urged New York voters to reject his candidacy. These attacks didn't prevent Mamdani's victory.
After the White House meeting, Mamdani told NBC News in a full interview that he still believes Trump is a fascist but came to seek federal resources for New York City. Mamdani said "I'm not going to pretend our political differences don't exist, but New Yorkers need federal support for housing, transportation, and infrastructure regardless of who's president." His willingness to work with Trump while maintaining his criticisms represents pragmatic governance.
Trump's pivot to praising Mamdani follows his pattern of making peace with former critics when politically advantageous. Trump has similarly embraced previously hostile relationships with figures like Kim Jong Un, Vladimir Putin, and Republican critics who later supported him. The shift suggests Trump prioritizes transactional relationships over ideological consistency, focusing on what benefits him politically in the moment.
The meeting discussed federal funding for New York City infrastructure projects, housing initiatives, and transportation improvements. Mamdani sought Trump's support for Gateway Tunnel Project funding, MTA repairs, and NYCHA public housing repairs. Trump didn't commit to specific funding but said he wants New York to succeed and promised to consider Mamdani's requests. Federal funding requires congressional approval, but presidential support increases likelihood of allocation.
Some progressives criticized Mamdani for meeting with Trump, arguing it legitimizes a president they view as authoritarian and anti-democratic. Others defended the meeting as necessary pragmatism—New York City needs federal resources regardless of political differences. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who represents a neighboring district to Mamdani's former assembly seat, said on social media that local leaders have to work with whoever is president to serve their constituents.
Trump's willingness to meet with Mamdani despite his Democratic Socialist label contrasts with his broader attacks on socialism and progressive policies. The meeting suggests Trump is willing to set aside ideological rhetoric when dealing with individual politicians who control major cities. It also demonstrates Mamdani's ability to navigate relationships with hostile federal leaders to benefit his constituents, a key skill for any New York City mayor.
President of the United States
New York City Mayor-elect, Former New York State Assembly Member
U.S. Representative from New York
civic action
Monitor whether Trump follows through on promises to Mamdani or uses federal funding as political leverage
Track whether Trump actually supports federal funding for New York City projects Mamdani requested or withholds resources to punish a Democratic Socialist mayor. This reveals whether Trump's cordiality is genuine or transactional manipulation.
Hi, I'm calling to track federal funding status after Mayor-elect Mamdani's White House meeting.
Context:
Questions to ask:
Request: I want regular updates on federal funding status to track whether Trump follows through on promises or uses funding as political leverage against a Democratic Socialist mayor.
Thank you.
understanding
Study how progressive mayors navigate relationships with hostile federal administrations
Mamdani's approach—maintaining criticisms while seeking resources—offers a model for progressive leaders dealing with hostile federal governments. Research how other progressive mayors balance principles with pragmatic governance.
civic action
Support organizations tracking federal funding equity across cities
Trump may reward or punish cities based on mayors' loyalty rather than need. Support watchdog organizations that track whether federal funding is distributed equitably or weaponized politically.
I am calling to request GAO oversight of federal funding distribution to cities.
Context:
Request: I want GAO to track whether federal funding to major cities is distributed based on need and merit or weaponized to reward political loyalty and punish opposition mayors.
Thank you.