WATCH: President Trump meets with NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House

Key Concepts

• Ukraine War: Discussion on the origins, potential resolution, and human cost of the conflict.
• Socialism: Condemnation of socialism by the House of Representatives and its implications.
• New York City Affordability: Focus on making NYC affordable, addressing cost of living, and property tax reform.
• Immigration and Law Enforcement: Views on ICE, immigration laws, and their enforcement in NYC.
• Housing Construction: Agreement on the need to increase housing and apartment development.
• Jewish Safety and Antisemitism: Concerns about the safety of Jewish New Yorkers and combating antisemitism.
• Federal Funding for NYC: Potential for cutting federal funding based on city policies.
• NYPD Staffing: Commitment to maintaining police officer headcount and focusing on crime.
• US-Israel Relations/Gaza: Accusations of genocide in Gaza and funding of the conflict.
• Presidential Politics and Ideology: Contrasting political ideologies and their impact on policy.

Summary

This transcript captures a multifaceted discussion involving former President Donald Trump and Mayor-elect Eric Adams, touching upon international conflicts, domestic politics, and the future of New York City.

Ukraine War and International Relations

The conversation begins with a reflection on past peace deals, with the speaker mentioning eight peace deals in various countries, including India and Pakistan, and efforts in the Congo and Rwanda where "10 million people dead." The speaker expresses regret that a peace deal with Russia was not achieved, attributing this to the need for two parties to agree ("it does take two to tango"). The immense loss of life, with "25,000 lives over the last short period of time" (Ukrainian and Russian), is highlighted as a tragedy that "should have never happened." The speaker asserts that this war "wouldn't have happened if I were president."

Regarding President Zelenskyy's stance on a potential peace plan, the speaker notes that Zelenskyy "doesn't like it" and suggests that he "has to like it" or "they should just keep fighting." The implication is that the US might withdraw support if a deal isn't accepted. The speaker reiterates the belief that Ukraine "hasn't accepted" the right deal and that they "don't have the cards." The speaker claims to have inherited the war and believes a deal should have been made "a year ago, two years ago," with the "ultimate deal" being that it "never started."

Domestic Politics and Ideology

A significant point of discussion is the House Resolution condemning socialism, which passed overwhelmingly with bipartisan support, including 86 Democrats. Mayor-elect Adams states he has "focused very little on resolutions" and is focused on "the work at hand." He openly identifies as a "democratic socialist" and emphasizes common ground on making "New York City affordable."

The transcript also addresses a comment made by Adams calling President Trump a "fascist." When pressed, Adams initially hesitates to give a direct "yes" but implies it through his response about both having clear positions.

New York City: Affordability, Crime, and Governance

A central theme is the cost of living and affordability in New York City. Both Trump and Adams agree on the need for affordability. Adams acknowledges that "many things in our city where we have to own the responsibility of it," stemming from "broken politics of the past" that have "left working people behind." He highlights the paradox of being in the "wealthiest city in the history of the world" yet having "one in five can't even afford $2.90 for a metro card."

Trump counters by stating that inflation has been brought down from its "highest in the history of our country" under the Biden administration to a "normal number."

The discussion touches upon the concept of New York City being "covered by international law." Adams clarifies that the city follows "laws that protect New Yorkers" and desires "consistency in our politics across the board." He also discusses working with ICE, stating that NYC laws allow communication with the federal administration regarding "about 170 serious crimes." He expresses concern about the enforcement of immigration laws on New Yorkers, citing an example of a mother and her children.

Crime is another key area of agreement. Both express a desire to "not see crime." Trump notes Adams' interest in "housing construction" and seeing "houses go up," "apartments built," etc., which Trump also supports.

Property Tax Reform and Race

A controversial aspect of Adams' campaign platform, the idea of shifting property taxes from "minority communities to white-based communities," is brought up. Adams clarifies that the use of terms like "white-based communities" was a "description of neighborhoods, not a description of intent." He states the intention is to create a "fair property tax system" that is "equitable" and affordable for "every New Yorker." He emphasizes that the current system is "so inequitable that it can't even stand up in court."

Jewish Safety and Antisemitism

Concerns are raised about anti-Israel protesters targeting a synagogue. Adams expresses a commitment to "Jewish safety" and "rooting out anti-semitism across the five burrows and protecting Jewish New Yorkers."

Federal Funding and City Policies

Trump mentions the possibility of cutting off or reducing federal funding to New York City if policies are not aligned, stating, "we don't want good money going after bad." However, he expresses optimism after the meeting, stating, "I don't think that's going to happen." He reiterates his agreement with Adams on key issues like "no crime," "housing being built," and "rents coming down."

Housing and Rent Reduction

Both Trump and Adams agree on the importance of building more housing as the "ultimate way" to bring rents down. Trump notes that while they agree on the goal, the public discourse might not reflect this agreement.

Trump's View on Adams and New York City's Future

Trump expresses a strong belief that Adams has a "chance to do a great job" and that he will "help him do a great job." He views Adams as "different" and having the potential to "really do something great for New York." He recalls New York City being "great" when he first came to Washington and believes Adams can "bring it back" and potentially make it "greater than ever before." He states he would feel "very comfortable living in New York City under a Mand" after their meeting.

Political Affiliations and Leadership

When asked if Adams is the "true leader of the Democrat party," Trump defers, stating Adams is "focused in New York City" and has a "chance to do a great job." Adams, in turn, identifies himself as the "next mayor of New York City" and keeps his focus on the city.

Media Attention and Public Interest

Trump notes the significant media attention on his meeting with Adams, contrasting it with the lack of interest in his meetings with heads of major countries. He attributes this to Adams being "different" and having the potential to "really do something great for New York." He also highlights Adams' unexpected rise in the primaries as a testament to his campaign.

FDR and the New Deal

Adams expresses appreciation for a portrait of FDR and the "incredible work that was done with the New Deal," seeing it as an example of how federal and city governments can work together to deliver on affordability.

NYPD Staffing and Public Safety

Regarding police officer roles, Adams commits to maintaining the budgeted headcount of "about 35,000" officers. He emphasizes the need to make it "easier for police to focus on police work" and not have them respond to mental health calls. He also notes that Adams has retained a "great police commissioner."

Future Meetings and Disagreements

Both Trump and Adams anticipate future meetings and acknowledge that there will be disagreements. However, they believe these will be resolved "for the good of New York," with the ultimate goal of making the city "unbelievable" and a "spectacular success."

Accusations of Jihadism

When asked if he believes Adams is a "jihadist," Trump denies it, stating he met with a "very rational person" who "wants to see really wants to see New York be great again." He suggests that campaign rhetoric can be different from reality.