The House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution condemning the “horrors of socialism” just hours before New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani arrived in Washington for his first meeting with President Donald Trump. The resolution, introduced weeks earlier but brought to a vote Friday, passed 285-98, with 86 Democrats supporting it, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and several New York and New Jersey lawmakers. Republicans argued the vote was simple and symbolic, while opponents like Rep. Maxine Waters criticized the measure as a distraction from urgent economic issues. Standing alongside Trump in the Oval Office, Mamdani dismissed questions about the vote, reaffirming that he is a democratic socialist but emphasizing his focus on making New York City more affordable.
Trump announced Saturday that he is pausing plans to deploy the National Guard to New York City, saying other cities currently “need it more,” though he would act if necessary. He noted the subject came up during his meeting with Mamdani, which struck many observers as surprisingly warm. Trump, who had previously mocked Mamdani as “my little communist,” said he would feel comfortable living in New York after speaking with the incoming mayor.
Despite past clashes—Mamdani once called Trump a “fascist,” a remark Trump laughed off—the meeting ended on an unexpectedly cordial note. Trump described hosting Mamdani as a “great honor,” and both signaled they were willing to set aside ideological differences to discuss the city’s challenges.