A spokesperson for Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani confirmed he will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, marking the first sit-down between the two after a contentious election season. The spokesperson said public safety, economic security and affordability will be top priorities on the agenda. The meeting comes just weeks after Trump threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani won the mayoral race. Despite those warnings, the White House now appears to be extending an olive branch as the incoming mayor begins his transition. On Truth Social, Trump wrote that Mamdani requested the meeting, adding that he agreed to host him in the Oval Office — while continuing to refer to the mayor-elect as a “communist.” The president has also previously criticized Mamdani’s platform, saying his “principles have been tested for thousands of years and have not once been successful.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul said she encourages the conversation between Mamdani and Trump and believes that they'll find common ground on topics such as infrastructure improvements.

"I think he can get to an opportunity to have a personal relationship with the president," Hochul said.

The day before Election Night, Trump said it was “highly unlikely” he would provide federal funding to the city beyond what is legally required. Mamdani has pushed back, arguing that federal support is “money the city is owed” and vowing to fight for it once in office. It remains unclear whether the two leaders will meet again before Mamdani is sworn in Jan. 1, but Friday’s meeting is expected to play a significant role in cooling tensions and setting the tone for their working relationship during the transition.