Trump meets with New York Mayor Mamdani

New York's newly elected Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, made his first official visit to the White House at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump. While claims that Mamdani "entered through the back door" became a topic of discussion, this information was not confirmed by official sources.

Journalists waiting at the door were unable to capture the moment of Mamdani's arrival. Following their meeting in the Oval Office, the two answered questions from reporters. Despite their sharp differences in opinion, Trump and Mamdani sent a message of "cooperation for New York."

U.S. President Trump, in his statement following the bilateral meeting, praised Mamdani's election victory, saying, "We had a great and very productive meeting. We want this city that we love to be a strong city. He defeated very smart and tough opponents in the early primaries; he proved himself easily. I congratulated him." Emphasizing that he wants Mamdani to be successful as mayor, Trump stated, "There is no party difference. The better job he does, the happier I will be."

MAMDANI: WE DISCUSSED THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that the focus of the meeting was on affordable living and housing needs, saying, "New York is the most expensive city in America. We are going through a period where eight and a half million people are struggling with rent, grocery expenses, and public services. We had a productive meeting with the president on these issues." Mamdani emphasized that despite having different ideological lines from Trump, their common goal is "serving New Yorkers."

'FASCIST' DEBATE COMES UP IN THE OVAL OFFICE

Humorous moments occurred in the Oval Office when one of the journalists reminded Mamdani that he had previously labeled Trump a "fascist." As Mamdani began to answer, Trump intervened, smiling and touching Mamdani's arm, saying, "It's okay, you can say it. I don't care." Mamdani emphasized that the meeting focused on "the cost of living for New Yorkers" rather than his past remarks.

When asked about Mamdani's political stance, Trump replied, "He has different views on some issues, but over time we will see what works. He can do a very good job. He will surprise some conservatives and some liberal people." Trump also described Mamdani's rise during the campaign as a "political surprise," stating, "He appeared out of nowhere. He won the primary in a way no one expected. This is a great achievement." U.S. President Trump mentioned the intimate moments in the Oval Office, noting that Mamdani liked the portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Cabinet Room, saying, "When he saw the portrait, he said, 'Sir, may I take a photo?'"

UKRAINE-RUSSIA PEACE PLAN

Evaluating the 28-point peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine War, Trump said, "I think we have found a path to peace, but Zelenskyy needs to approve it." Stating that Ukraine is losing thousands of soldiers monthly, Trump hinted that "the U.S. will not provide indefinite support," adding, "If Zelenskyy does not accept it, he will have to continue fighting. He has no cards in his hand." Regarding his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump replied, "I have a very good relationship with Putin. Maybe I thought it would be faster, but it takes two to tango, and now you only see deaths. This was a war that should never have happened. But it did. And if I were president, it wouldn't have happened. But we are trying to save many lives."

"WE WANT HAMAS DISARMED"

In his assessment of the Middle East, Trump argued that Hamas must be completely disarmed. Trump said, "We want Hamas and, frankly, everyone else to be completely disarmed. For the first time in 3,000 years, there is an environment of peace in the Middle East. We will make this even better." Trump also recalled that he received a commitment of "over 1 trillion dollars in investment" during his meeting with the King of Saudi Arabia. Emphasizing that they are working with everyone in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump said, "I think Hezbollah and Lebanon are a big problem. We are working with Lebanon. We are working with everyone in the Middle East. This is another issue where I think we have common ground. We want to see peace in the Middle East." Mamdani, on the other hand, emphasized that voters in New York want "endless wars to end" most of all, saying, "They do not want taxpayers to finance human rights violations."

When journalists reminded them that Trump and Mamdani have opposing views on ICE, Trump said, "If there are murderers, drug dealers, and very bad people, we want to get rid of them. The mayor also wants a safe New York. We will work together." Mamdani, reminding that immigration practices in New York are limited by city laws, said, "We want to implement not only federal laws but also local laws that protect New Yorkers."

FEDERAL FUNDING DEBATE

Regarding the possibility of cutting federal funds, Trump replied, "I don't want to harm New York, I want to help. The city can be great, and we will support it." Regarding the intense media interest in Mamdani, Trump said, "I think he is different. This is in a very positive sense. He really has a great opportunity."

At the end of the meeting, Trump said of Mamdani, "We agree on many more things than I thought. He can do a great job. And we will support him." Mamdani, reiterating his message of cooperation despite all the controversy, said, "I know New York loves an affordable future. We will work to realize this agenda."