Follow Al Rai
US President Donald Trump praised New York Mayor Zaran Mamdani on Monday, after the two men set aside their differences to discuss a number of issues, including immigration laws and a housing project estimated to be worth millions of dollars.
The Republican president had previously criticized Mamdani before he took office in January, describing him with terms such as 'little communist' and 'idiot', before relations between them improved suddenly.
Trump told Mamdani during a press conference, 'I hope you will be a great mayor. I know you will be. And the start was very successful.'
The recent closed-door talks, which lasted about an hour in Manhattan, New York, marked the third public meeting between the two men since Mamdani's landslide victory in the mayoral election last year.
For his part, Mamdani said, 'We appreciate the President's commitment to the city', as Trump visits New York, his hometown, ahead of the UN General Assembly.
In response to a question about Trump's cancellation of 'temporary protected status' for thousands of immigrants as part of his plan to deport them en masse, the 34-year-old Mamdani said he'strongly expressed his ideas to ensure the safety of New York residents'.
He added that they also discussed a proposal to build 12,000 homes in New York.
He affirmed that he intends to continue cooperating with Trump, despite acknowledging that there are 'many differences' between them.
Mamdani said, 'The talks showed that we both have very different approaches and convictions and I will maintain dialogue with the President, and with anyone who can support this city and help it.'
Know more about this story?Send us a tip
Ask about this report — answers stay grounded in its text.
