Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Swipe for next article

Download our
Social Partner

Mamdani and Trump surprise with warm words at The White House

Trump reacts as Mamdani answers question over whether he thinks the president is a fascist

Donald Trump held a surprisingly cordial meeting with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House, despite their history of mutual public criticism.
Trump, who previously labelled Mamdani a 'communist', now stated he would be 'a really great mayor' and pledged to help him address affordability issues in New York.
Mamdani, a self-avowed socialist who had called Trump a 'despot' and 'fascist', described the meeting as 'productive' and focused on their shared love for New York City.
During a joint press conference, Trump defended Mamdani when reporters questioned his past criticisms, implying he did not take offence to being called a 'fascist'.
The two men discussed working together to deliver affordability for New Yorkers, with Trump expressing a desire for Mamdani to be a 'spectacular success' for the city.