Trump praises New York Mayor Mamdani after Manhattan meeting

US President Donald Trump praised New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as having the potential to be a "great mayor" during their meeting in Manhattan, despite significant political differences. The meeting was Trump's first reception at the mayor's official residence. Trump, a Republican, offered support for a major housing project requiring $21 billion in federal funds to build 12,000 affordable units. Mamdani, a Democrat, called the conversation "productive" and said he would work with anyone who can achieve results for New Yorkers. The two have met previously at the White House, with Trump having called Mamdani a "communist" and threatened to withhold federal funds. A key conflict remains their disagreement over Middle East policy, including Mamdani's threat to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.