New York's Mayor-Elect Plays Nice with Trump, Locals React

New Yorkers are known for their skepticism, so when Zohran Mamdani, the city's new mayor-elect, had a surprisingly friendly chat with President Donald Trump, people took notice but kept their expectations in check. Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, won big in the recent election, taking every borough except Staten Island. His victory speech was all about unity and progress, but his policies, like free buses and universal childcare, need a lot of money. That's where Trump comes in. The meeting between Mamdani and Trump was all over the news. Some New Yorkers, like John Lani, were impressed. "I don't like the guy, but Mamdani did a good job, " he said. Others were more cautious. "I hope everyone succeeds, " said one voter who didn't want to be named. The stakes are high. Trump could decide to send more immigration enforcement to New York or fund big city projects. Mamdani's plans depend on state and federal money, so he needs Trump on his side. After the meeting, Trump said he wanted to help New York, not hurt it. He even said the city wasn't a priority for deploying National Guard troops. "Other places need it more, " he told reporters. Some locals think Mamdani played his cards right. "Trump loves it when you praise him, " said Steve Cohen. "You have to bow down, praise him, and walk out. " Others, like Shelly Payson, think Mamdani had a strategy. "If you give Trump something he wants, he'll roll out the red carpet, " she said. Only time will tell if this meeting was a game-changer or just political posturing. One thing's for sure: New Yorkers will be watching closely.