On Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump announced an upcoming meeting with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, scheduled to occur in Washington, D.C. this Friday. This meeting is significant as both figures represent stark political contrasts and have engaged in a war of words for months, attacking each other's policies and ideologies from a distance.

Trump mentioned on social media that Mamdani requested the meeting, stating, "Further details to follow!" Spokesperson Dora Pekec emphasized that it is "customary" for an incoming mayor of New York City to meet with the president. Mamdani plans to discuss key issues such as public safety, economic security, and his affordability agenda, which resonated with over one million voters who supported him in the recent elections.

Despite previously disparaging Mamdani, labeling him as a "communist" and predicting negative consequences for New York due to his election, Trump's stance appears to be shifting. Following the November elections, where Republicans faced significant defeats in states like Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, Trump has begun to align more with Mamdani's primary campaign issues, particularly regarding affordability. He even proclaimed the GOP to be the "Party of Affordability," coinciding with his narrative on the strength of the economy.

During remarks to reporters on Sunday night, Trump expressed his optimism about the meeting with Mamdani, stating, "we’ll work something out." Mamdani, who will officially assume office in January, confirmed that his team had reached out to the White House to arrange the meeting and expressed his desire to work collaboratively with Trump if it meant serving the citizens of New York.

Mamdani, 34, recently made history in ascending from an unknown state legislator representing Queens to becoming the mayor-elect of the nation’s largest city. In his victory speech, he emphasized his intent to showcase how to challenge Trump, aiming for a transformational approach in governance. He also mentioned plans to "Trump-proof" New York, indicating his commitment to protecting the city’s interests while maintaining openness to collaboration with federal leadership.

As this meeting approaches, both Trump and Mamdani are poised to engage in a dialogue that, while rooted in their political differences, could indicate a willingness to address pressing issues facing New Yorkers. The outcome of their discussions may have implications not only for their respective political futures but also for the city itself as it navigates challenges under new leadership.

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Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report.

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Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP