President Donald Trump on Friday expressed an unexpected vote of confidence in Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani following their first face-to-face meeting at the White House, saying he was “very confident that he can do a good job” and touting their shared interest on the issue of affordability.

Trump said the two had “a great meeting” and described Mamdani as a “rational man” who “really wants to see New York be great again.” The president even said the incoming mayor could “surprise some conservative people.”

His remarks amounted to a striking about-face for Trump, who had characterized Mamdani as a radical communist whose election would destroy New York City. Instead, he focused on areas where the two could work together.

“The new word is 'affordability,'" Trump told reporters in the Oval

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