US President Donald Trump met New York City's newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani at the White House in what was billed as the political showdown of the year - but instead became a praise fest. In his election victory speech, the self-described Democratic socialist mayor called Trump a 'despot.' And before Friday's meeting, the president's spokeswoman had billed Mamdani's visit as a 'communist coming to the White House.' But standing side-by-side in the Oval Office, the two men struck a surprisingly conciliatory tone. Over and over, both men emphasized their shared interest in addressing New York City's affordability crisis. They smiled often, and Trump even appeared amused as reporters asked him about the political attacks Mamdani had fired his way. The tone of the meeting appeared to strike political observers off guard, but offered a signal that both men understand that tackling the affordability crisis is critical to their political success. Whether the truce will last once Mamdani takes office on 1 January remains to be seen. Until then, 'I'll be cheering for him,' Trump said.

The conciliatory tone was evident from the moment they started speaking to the press. Facing the media after a private meeting, Mamdani stood to Trump's right with his hand clasped, as the president sat behind the Resolute Desk. Their body language was relaxed – particularly Trump. Not only did Trump refrain from attacking Mamdani, he actually praised him numerous times. Trump expressed hope that Mamdani would be a 'really great mayor.' Later, the president added he was 'confident that he can do a very good job.'

Mamdani and Trump traded political barbs throughout the mayoral election. A reporter in the room reminded the two men that Trump had called Mamdani a 'communist' and Mamdani referred to the president as a 'despot.' But today, both deflected multiple questions about their previous statements and pivoted back to praise. Trump even let Mamdani answer a question about whether the mayor-elect thought the president was a 'fascist.'

'That's ok, you can just say yes,' Trump interjected, giving Mamdani a light tap on the arm and smiling. 'It's easier than explaining.'

Mamdani and Trump have something in common: they're both New Yorkers, and both have called the borough of Queens home. Mamdani said he and the president had discussed how to 'deliver affordability to New Yorkers.' Facing one question about their differing views, the mayor-elect brought the conversation back to this topic. Whenever he was asked a question about their differing views, the mayor-elect brought the conversation back to this topic. Facing one question about their different views on achieving peace in the Middle East, Mamdani responded that Trump voters had expressed to him a wish for 'an end to forever wars' and for leaders to address 'the cost of living crisis.'

However, there are still major political issues that could quickly put the two men back in opposition. A reporter asked about the potential for federal immigration enforcement in the city, which has outraged Democrats and some immigrant communities in New York. Mamdani said he discussed federal immigration enforcement operations in New York, and the concerns from residents about how they are being conducted. Trump said they discussed crime more than immigration. 'He doesn't want to see crime and I don't want to see crime,' the president said. He had 'very little doubt' the two would get along on that issue. Trump even stunningly said he would feel safe living in a Mamdani-led New York. But as the Trump administration continues to set aggressive deportation goals, it's possible that the two men could wind up in opposition to each other once again.