(MENAFN) U.S. President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani emerged from a private discussion on Friday expressing renewed confidence in one another, saying their meeting centered on resolving the “affordability” challenges facing New York City.

Despite months of contentious exchanges — during which Mamdani labeled Trump a "fascist" and Trump dismissed the incoming mayor as a "communist" while warning he might cut federal funding — both leaders presented a far calmer united front after their talks.

Trump told reporters that his perspective on Mamdani had shifted, noting, "Some of my views have changed, and we had discussions on some things. I'm going to discuss what they were, but that I feel very confident that he can do a very good job. I think he is going to surprise some conservative people, actually."

When questioned about Mamdani previously calling him a "despot," Trump brushed it aside, remarking, " I've been called much worse than a despot. So, it's not it's not that insulting. I think he'll change his mind after we get to working together."

Asked directly whether he believed the soon-to-be first Muslim American mayor of New York City was a "jihadist," Trump replied, "No, I don't." He went on to say, "I met with a man who's a very rational person. I met with a man who really wants to see New York be great again."

Mamdani, speaking separately, was asked if he still viewed the president as a "fascist." He responded that the two leaders "are very clear about our positions and our views." He emphasized that he valued that their conversation focused on practical cooperation rather than their disagreements, stating, "What I really appreciate about the president is the meeting that we had focused not on places of disagreement, which there are many, and also focused on the shared purpose that we have in serving New Yorkers." He added that such cooperation could significantly help millions facing a worsening cost-of-living burden.

During a lighter moment, after Mamdani was asked again whether he stood by his "fascist" comment, Trump interjected, "You can just say 'yes.' It's easier than explaining it," drawing laughter from the press. He followed with, "I don't mind."

When pressed on his earlier threats to cut federal support for New York City, Trump signaled a different stance, saying, "I don't think that's going to happen." He added that the conversation left him unexpectedly optimistic, noting, "We had a meeting today that actually surprised me. He wants to see no crime. He wants to see housing being built. He wants to see rents coming down. All things that I agree with now, we may disagree on how we get there."

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