WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – US President Donald Trump received the White House the new mayor of New York Zohran Mamdani, in a meeting that marked the will of both parties to start a constructive dialogue on issues related to economic accessibility and the cost of life in the US metropolis. The bilateral, hosted in Studio Ovale, was presented as a signal of mutual openness despite the known political differences between the two leaders. By welcoming Mamdani in front of journalists, Trump stressed that, beyond the opposite positions, there is a common goal: “We want this city we love to do incredibly well.” The president then praised the election performance of the new mayor, recalling how in his New York driving race “has beaten many smart people”.
Mamdani, speaking from the White House, defined the “productive” meeting, explaining that the interview was focused on the need to make life more sustainable for the more than eight and a half million residents of the Big Apple, many of whom struggle to cope with costs in one of the most expensive cities in the United States. The mayor explained that he had discussed with Trump about food, utilities and dynamics that lead many people to be expelled from the neighborhoods they live in. He then added that he enjoyed the time for comparison, stating: “I look forward to working together to ensure this economic accessibility to New Yorkers.” A moment of lightness gave way to the bilateral climate when a journalist asked Mamdani about his past reference to Trump as a “fascist”. The mayor began to explain that he and the president have different visions, but Trump interrupted him smiling: “All right, you can just say it. It’s easier than explaining it, I don’t mind.” The joke aroused a smile from the new mayor. At the press point, while Mamdani was standing on the right hand of the president, Trump argued that some positions of the mayor will change over time, stating: “I think it will surprise some conservative people.” Mamdani didn’t comment.
The meeting, initially closed to the press, was subsequently opened to a small group of journalists, but it was not immediately clear how Mamdani had entered the White House complex. The mayor did not use the entrance usually prepared for other leaders and where there were numerous reporters waiting. The confirmation of his arrival was given by the White House communications director, Steven Cheung, who on X published a photo of the journalists gathered in the west wing with the ironic comment: “Too late, guys! You are all too slow“. During the bilateral, Trump and Mamdani highlighted how their respective political campaigns focused on economic accessibility. However, the president did not specify what elements he considers common to the two visions. Mamdani, for his part, reiterated the need for concrete measures, such as the idea of opening food shops managed by the Municipality in the poorest neighborhoods.
At the end of the meeting, Trump said that he would feel very comfortable in the New York imagined by Mamdani, “especially after this meeting”, adding he wanted to help the mayor in his new role: “I want you to do a good job.” The dialogue between the two comes after months of public tension. Trump had repeatedly called Mamdani “a 100% communist madman”, while the mayor, who will officially enter office in January, in the speech of victory had declared that New York would not submit itself to the policies of the Republican president.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
