Trump Meets Mamdani at White House

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after the meeting's end, Trump said he would be comfortable living in New York City with Mamdani in charge, and that he believes the democratic socialist will surprise some conservatives.

When asked if Mamdani supports his previous comments calling Trump a "fascist," the president told the mayor-elect, "That's okay, you can just say yes."

"It's easier than explaining it," Trump joked while patting Mamdani on the arm in one of several playful moments between the two.

Mamdani said Trump shares his goal of listening to constituents and that both intend to hear New Yorkers' concerns about the cost of groceries, rent and childcare.

Trump added that while he and Mamdani will "work out" their differences over ICE's role in the U.S., they plan to "work together" to make New York's streets safer.

"The better he does, the happier I am," Trump said to reporters in the Oval Office Friday after the meeting's end. "I will say there's no difference in party ... we're going to be helping him to make everybody's dream come true."

Mamdani said he appreciated meeting with Trump, and that their conversation was based on "shared admiration and love" to help New Yorkers "who are struggling to afford life in the most expensive city in the United States of America."

"We agree on a lot more than I would have thought," Trump said.