In an unexpected display of cordiality, U.S. President Donald Trump and incoming New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani met at the White House, swapping compliments and pledging cooperation despite a history of bitter insults. The meeting focused on tackling crime and affordability in New York City, leading to a surprisingly warm rapport between the political opposites.

• Trump and Mamdani, a 34-year-old state lawmaker, were previously at odds over immigration and economic policy.
• The meeting exceeded Trump's own prediction of it being "quite cordial."
• Mamdani was elected alongside other Democratic victors earlier this month, a deflating outcome for Republicans.
• Trump praised Mamdani's focus on housing and acknowledged that some of his ideas on affordability were similar to his own.
• The two men laughed off past insults, with Trump defending Mamdani from pointed questions and calling him "a very rational person."