Trump and Mamdani discuss cost of living again. Was there a clash?

NEW YORK Zohran Mamdani, the incoming mayor of New York City, and former President Donald Trump spoke once more, this time in a low-profile phone call. The discussion, which Mamdani revealed on Spectrum News NY1 on Dec. 2, took place before the end of November and came shortly after their unexpected friendly meeting in the Oval Office on Nov. 21.

My conversations with the president have always centered on the well-being of New Yorkers, Mamdani stated on NY1's "Inside City Hall." Many residents are still struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The call occurred before the clashes between protesters and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in lower Manhattan on Nov. 29. A spokesperson for Mamdani confirmed the conversation happened prior to Thanksgiving. The White House has not commented on the discussion.

Mamdani, who assumes office on Jan. 1, also mentioned offering condolences to Trump following the Nov. 26 shootings of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., one of whom died. In addition, the conversation covered housing development and the need to support New Yorkers facing displacement due to rising living costs.

The phone call preceded a weekend immigration enforcement action, which drew protests in New York City and resulted in several arrests. The interaction between Mamdani and Trump comes amid potential tension over immigration policy. Immigrants make up nearly 40% of New York Citys population. Trump has signaled a stricter stance on immigration, while Mamdani aims to limit local police cooperation with federal enforcement.

The NYPD will not be assisting ICE in their operations, Mamdani said. Ive told the president directly that some of these actions are inhumane and dont serve public safety.

Mamdani highlighted the case of a 6-year-old student and his father, both asylum seekers from China, who were detained by federal authorities during a routine check-in in Manhattan. Mamdani expressed his commitment to protecting families like theirs and emphasized the importance of a mayor attentive to all city residents, including over 3 million immigrants.

Federal agencies continue immigration enforcement actions across the country, though Trump has not deployed forces to New York City.

Author: Natalie Monroe