Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, newly elected as New York City’s mayor after defeating Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, is already drawing attention for a transition-phase video he released on X. In it, Mamdani thanks supporters and encourages “working-class” donations to help fund early administrative needs, despite having previously asked people to stop contributing during the campaign. He said the money would be used to hire policy experts, strengthen infrastructure, and lay the groundwork for his incoming administration. “The leaves are changing and so is City Hall,” he wrote, urging New Yorkers to help “build a city that works for all of us.”
On Friday, Mamdani met President Trump in a surprisingly cordial Oval Office appearance. Trump, who had previously labeled Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic,” praised him as someone who might “surprise some conservative people,” while Mamdani highlighted their shared commitment to serving New Yorkers. Both men used the moment to discuss affordability and public safety—issues central to their political brands. Mamdani said he sought the meeting to address the city’s rising cost-of-living pressures.
Despite their history of mutual attacks, the two avoided confrontation and focused on common ground. Mamdani’s incoming chief of staff, Elle Bisgaard-Church, said they agreed on the importance of reducing crime and ensuring fairness.