Mamdani on his relationship with the U.S. president: “You can have very different opinions and still be able to sit at the same table” / Trump’s response: I can say that you will be a “wonderful” mayor

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he is willing to set aside the political conflict with Donald Trump and speak with the president of the United States when meetings can benefit city residents. The statement was made in an interview with CNN, against the backdrop of public disputes and harsh personal attacks between the two politicians.

Trump called Mamdani “my little communist” and “lunatic,” while the mayor described the president as a “despot” and “fascist.” Despite these exchanges, their direct meetings have had a cordial tone, and Trump recently said that Mamdani “got off to a good start” and could become a very good mayor.

Mamdani explained that the responsibilities of his office require him to engage in dialogue even with politicians with whom he has major ideological differences. He argued that refusing a discussion would limit the local administration’s ability to defend New York’s interests.

Such dialogue does not rule out confrontation on specific issues. On Monday, standing alongside Trump in front of the press, Mamdani expressed his disagreement with the restrictions imposed on journalists by the presidential administration.