Both leaders have their roots in the borough of Queens but are far apart ideologically. Republican Trump, during the mayoral election campaign, falsely claimed that Mamdani was a communist and threatened to withdraw state funding to the city if the 34-year-old won.
Mamdani, a left-wing Democrat, ran on promises of free buses, affordable childcare, state-run price-gouging grocery stores and new housing, financed by tax increases for high-income earners. He has said he is ready to take on Trump.
Trump wrote on social media that Mamdani requested the meeting, which will be held in the Oval Office on Friday. A spokesperson for Mamdani said it is customary for a prospective mayor to meet with the president and discuss security and the economy.
