There may be a de-escalation in the political climate between New York and the White House? On the eve of his meeting on Friday (20.11.2025) with the president of the USA Donald Trumpthe new mayor of New York, Zoran Mamdani, assured that he is “ready, whatever happens” and determined to make the cost of living issue a priority — one of the key promises of his election campaign.
In a press conference, 34-year-old Zoran Mamdani underlined the importance of the dialogue with Donald Trump: “It is not about a relationship between two people, but about the relationship between the city of New York and the White House. My priorities transcend any personal differences.”
A socialist against a president who calls him a ‘communist’
Mamdani, a progressive and vocal critic of Trump, often accuses the president of “favoring the richest.” For his part, Trump still calls him a “communist” and has threatened to freeze federal funds to the city.
However, there is a first sign of de-escalation: the meeting was organized at Mamdani’s request, while Trump appeared positive from the start, even saying recently that he wants “everything to go well for New York.”
Cost of living in focus
The mayor-elect said he has met many New Yorkers who voted for Trump “because of the cost of living crisis.” He says he’s ready to work with the president “on any program that benefits New Yorkers,” but promises that he “will be the first to oppose” if something harms the citizens.
His key pledges include increasing rent-controlled housing, strengthening the bus network and expanding access to free daycare.
An election of historic participation
Zoran Mamdani was elected on November 4 with more than 50%, beating former governor Andrew Cuomo among others. More than two million voters went to the polls — turnout levels not seen since 1969.