President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he will meet with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House on Friday. This meeting marks the first in-person discussion between the two leaders, who have been vocal critics of each other since Mamdani's election earlier this month. The meeting is expected to take place in the Oval Office and could signal a potential shift in their contentious relationship. Trump, who has previously labeled Mamdani a "communist" and warned of dire consequences for New York City under his leadership, has recently begun to acknowledge the importance of affordability, a key issue in Mamdani's campaign. In a social media post, Trump referred to Mamdani by his full name, including his middle name, Kwame, in quotation marks. He stated that Mamdani requested the meeting and promised, "Further details to follow!" Mamdani's spokesperson, Dora Pekec, confirmed that the mayor-elect plans to discuss public safety, economic security, and the affordability agenda that garnered over one million votes in the recent election. Mamdani, who will officially take office in January, campaigned on a progressive platform that includes freezing rent for over one million stabilized apartments, providing universal child care, and funding free public transportation. He has also proposed higher taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals to support his initiatives. Despite their differences, Mamdani expressed a desire to work with Trump. In an interview, he stated, "I want to just speak plainly to the president about what it means to actually stand up for New Yorkers, and the way in which New Yorkers are struggling to afford the city." Trump has threatened to withdraw federal funding from New York City if Mamdani takes office. His administration is currently reviewing nearly $10 billion in federal funds that benefit the city, which accounts for a significant portion of its operating budget. Mamdani's victory has intensified Trump's criticism of New York City, setting the stage for a clash over policies related to the economy, crime, and immigration. The meeting will be closely monitored as both leaders prepare for the upcoming midterm elections. Mamdani has also been proactive in preparing for potential federal actions against the city, having met with New York Governor Kathy Hochul to discuss strategies in response to possible deployments of ICE officers or the National Guard. Hochul has urged business leaders to communicate the potential economic fallout of such actions to Trump, emphasizing New York's status as a financial center. As the meeting approaches, both leaders face the challenge of navigating their stark political differences while addressing the pressing issues facing New Yorkers.