Opposing leaders pave the way for unprecedented cooperation

After months of attacks, the two leaders adopted a cordial stance and dedicated most of the meeting to a debate on housing, essential services and the cost of living.

In a turn of events that defies expectations and recent political polarization, President Donald Trump and newly elected New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani held a high-level meeting that suggests an unexpected desire for collaboration. The Republican leader, once an outspoken critic of Mamdani’s progressive platform, said he would feel “very comfortable” in living in the metropolis under the Democrat’s management, a clear sign that the threats of cutting federal funding to the city may be behind us.

The eagerly awaited meeting took place on Friday and marked the first direct contact between the two leaders, whose trajectories and political proposals seemed irreconcilable. The main objective was to determine whether, despite deep public disagreements, it would be possible to establish a channel for dialogue and joint work. The importance of the meeting is undeniable, given the weight of New York as a global financial capital and the context of next year’s midterm elections, where parties are seeking to firm up their positions.

From fiery rhetoric to pragmatic cordiality

During the campaign for mayor, the battle was tough. Trump even attacked Mamdani — a democratic socialist who emerged victorious with a progressive agenda that includes rent freezes and tax increases for the richest — calling him a “communist.” The president urged the electorate to reject Mamdani’s candidacy and publicly threatened to retaliate by cutting public funds for his hometown.

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However, the press conference after the meeting revealed a totally different scenario. The two men showed themselves cordial and friendly. Trump downplayed even previous harsh criticism from Mamdani, who called him a “despot,” saying such statements “they weren’t that offensive”.

The president has repeatedly emphasized a surprising alignment on issues that affect the population’s daily lives. “I hope to help you, not hurt you,” Trump declared about the mayor-elect. “I want New York to be a great city.” He went further to dismiss concerns about funding, saying: “I don’t think that’s going to happen.”when asked about a possible cut in federal funds.

The focus on the price of the dish and rent

According to both, the central theme of the meeting was not party ideology, but the cost of living in the city. They told reporters that most of the time was spent discussing the price of rent, the cost of grocery shopping and the amount of utility bills. Trump even mentioned that he shared some of Mamdani’s ideas on how to address the housing affordability crisis.

The president expressed his satisfaction with the result: “We agreed on a lot more things than I imagined”. He demonstrated optimism in addressing differences regarding immigration, stating that “resolve” the theme, because Mamdani “want a safe New York” and that he “There is very little doubt that we will reach an agreement on this matter”.

Mamdani, whose team took the initiative to seek dialogue with the White House, also expressed his intention to work together with the federal government. He intends “talk openly with the president” about the financial burden that falls on New Yorkers. “I appreciate the meeting with the president, which refocused on the five boroughs and the question of whether New Yorkers could afford to live in them”Mamdani told journalists.

The elected mayor’s dilemma

For Zohran Mamdani, managing this relationship with the White House represents a crucial challenge. The democratic socialist won the November election with ambitious promises, including a rent freeze on more than 1 million price-stabilized apartments, raising taxes on large businesses and high-income individuals to fund social programs like universal child care and free buses, and a $165 million investment in legal defense services for immigrants. He promised to make the city “prova de Trump”protecting residents from federal policies it considers harmful.

The loss of federal funds would, in fact, be a devastating blow for municipal administration. New York City received about $10 billion in federal funding in fiscal year 2025, which represents 8.3% of its operating budget spending, according to data from the city controller’s office. This amount is vital for maintaining essential programs in the areas of education, housing and social services aimed at low-income families.

Apparently, this Friday’s meeting opened a fissure in the wall of hostility that separated the two cabinets, offering a glimpse that pragmatism around the population’s basic needs can, at least temporarily, overcome the most acidic political rhetoric.

With information from Bloomberg*