Mamdani Avoids Question on Socialism Stance Before Key Trump Meeting

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani sidestepped questions about the House’s vote condemning socialism as he arrived in Washington D.C. for a much-anticipated meeting with President Donald Trump.

When asked by reporters about his reaction to the House resolution, Mamdani replied, “Brother, I can tell you all I’ve been thinking about is preparing for this meeting and speaking up for New Yorkers.”

The House vote, which passed 285-98 earlier Friday, came just hours before the self-identified democratic socialist was set to meet with Trump at the White House. The resolution explicitly “denounces socialism in all its forms and opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States.”

In a notable show of bipartisanship, 86 Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the measure, including House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who had previously endorsed Mamdani’s mayoral campaign. Two Democrats voted present: Rep. Deborah Ross of Pennsylvania and Rep. Janelle Bynum of Oregon.

The timing of the vote appeared politically significant, creating an awkward backdrop for the first face-to-face meeting between Trump and Mamdani since the latter’s surprise victory in New York City’s mayoral race earlier this month. Mamdani’s election has sent shockwaves through the political establishment, representing one of the most significant electoral victories for a democratic socialist in recent American history.

The relationship between Trump and Mamdani has been tense from the outset. Trump previously characterized Mamdani as a “communist lunatic,” while the mayor-elect had vowed to “Trump-proof” New York City against federal policies he views as harmful. However, both men have notably moderated their rhetoric in recent days, signaling a potential willingness to establish a working relationship.

On Friday, Trump told Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade that he expected the meeting to be “quite civil” despite their ideological differences. “We’ll get along fine,” Trump said, adding that both he and Mamdani “want to make New York strong.”

For his part, Mamdani told reporters Thursday that while he has “many disagreements” with the president, he intends to “work with him on any agenda that benefits New Yorkers.” The mayor-elect also made clear he would not hesitate to speak out when he believes Trump’s policies could harm city residents.

The meeting comes at a critical juncture for New York City, which faces significant financial challenges, infrastructure needs, and ongoing housing affordability issues. As mayor of America’s largest city, Mamdani will need to navigate a complex relationship with the federal government to secure funding and support for key initiatives.

Political analysts note that this meeting represents a crucial test for both leaders. For Mamdani, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate he can work pragmatically with ideological opponents when necessary. For Trump, the meeting offers a chance to show he can collaborate with local leaders across the political spectrum.

The House resolution on socialism has highlighted the tension between mainstream Democratic politics and the growing democratic socialist movement within the party. While many Democrats felt compelled to vote for a resolution condemning socialism broadly, figures like Mamdani represent an emerging political force that embraces aspects of democratic socialism while rejecting authoritarian socialist models.

As Mamdani prepares to take office in January, his ability to balance ideological commitments with pragmatic governance will be closely watched by supporters and critics alike. The outcome of his meeting with Trump could set the tone for federal-city relations during his administration and indicate how effectively he can translate his progressive platform into concrete policy achievements.