US President Donald Trump signaled on Sunday that he expected to meet New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, soon. He indicated that they would work something out, which suggested a possible easing of tensions between the Republican president and the rising Democratic leader who had often clashed with him.

For months, Trump had targeted Mamdani. He had falsely described him as a communist and had warned that New York would collapse if Mamdani became mayor. He had also threatened to deport Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and later became a naturalized U.S. citizen, and had suggested that he might cut federal funds to the city.

Mamdani’s rise and challenge to Trump

Mamdani had become a major figure during the campaign. He had grown from a little-known state lawmaker into a social media presence and a symbol of opposition to Trump. He had campaigned on progressive policies and had openly criticised Trump’s hardline, anti-immigrant agenda during his second term.

The 34-year-old had drawn support from a broad range of New Yorkers. He had defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo by nearly nine percentage points, a clear victory that strengthened his political standing.

During his victory speech, Mamdani had said that New York should show the nation how to confront the president. However, the next day, while discussing his plan to Trump-proof the city once he took office in January, he had also indicated that he was open to cooperation. Mamdani had said he was willing to work with anyone, including Trump, if doing so benefitted New Yorkers.

Trump signals openness to dialogue

Mamdani’s team did not immediately respond to Trump’s remarks on Sunday. However, a spokesperson referred to the mayor-elect’s comments from the previous week, when he had said he planned to reach out to the White House because he believed the relationship would be crucial to the city’s success.

Trump echoed that view on Sunday. He told reporters that the mayor of New York wanted to meet with him and that they would work something out. He made these remarks before returning to Washington after spending the weekend in Florida.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that Trump had been referring to Mamdani and said that no meeting date had been set. She added that the administration wanted things to work out well for New York.

Trump also mentions possible talks with Maduro

Trump’s comments came as he also noted that the United States might soon open discussions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This followed rising military tensions near Venezuela. He said he was willing to talk to anyone.