Khaberni - After a campaign dominated by sharp exchanges between them, Donald Trump will host in Washington on Friday the newly elected Democratic Mayor of New York, Zehran Mumdani, who has become one of his prominent opponents.
Mumdani, 34, stated that he is "ready for anything that could happen" in this first meeting with the American President, who has not hesitated to rebuke some of his guests in front of the press during their visits to the Oval Office.
White House spokeswoman Carolayn Levitt considered before the meeting that "a communist's visit to the White House says a lot" about the choices of the Democrats, adding "it also shows that President Trump is ready to meet and talk with everyone."
Zehran Mumdani, a socialist and defender of immigrant rights, was born in Uganda to an Indian family, and represents a strong opposition to Trump.
He built his entire campaign on the theme of the cost of living, which has sharply risen in the largest city in the United States, accusing the president of prioritizing wealthier Americans while he himself was elected on promises related to improving purchasing power.
- Ambush?
Before the vote, Donald Trump endorsed Mumdani's chief opponent Andrew Cuomo, the former Democratic governor of New York.
But on November 4th, Zehran Mumdani won more than 50% of the votes against his two rivals, with a record turnout exceeding two million voters, an occurrence not seen in the city since 1969.
The Democratic official stated, "I intend to make it clear to President Trump that I will work with him on any program that benefits the people of New York. And if any program harms the residents of New York, I will also be the first to declare it," assuring his readiness "to explore all avenues" that could "make life in our city easier."
However, the meeting is not without risks for the new mayor, as Columbia University political science professor Lincoln Mitchell suggests. He does not rule out the possibility of Mumdani facing an ambush similar to the one set up for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, adding to Agence France-Presse "We might see (Vice President Gai Dee) Vance giving him trouble."
Mumdani, who will take office on the first of January, downplayed the importance of the meeting, describing it as "routine" between the city's mayor and the president who has sent the National Guard to many Democrat-ruled cities under the pretext of enforcing security and fighting crime.
- De-escalation -
But the mayor also needs the president. American University professor of international relations Garrett Martin says, "For Mumdani, many of the things he wishes to accomplish in New York will also depend on the measures taken at the federal level," particularly in security and the economy.
After aggressive statements during the electoral campaign, it appeared there was some de-escalation between the two men, even as the president affirmed a few days ago that he wants "everything to go well in New York."
While awaiting his inauguration, Zehran Mumdani is also trying to reassure his critics. Facing heavy criticism for his lack of experience, having previously only held the position of deputy in the New York state legislature, he has worked to surround himself with notable figures.
After selecting the veteran local politician, Dean Foleihan (74 years old), as his key assistant, the Democrat decided on Wednesday to reappoint Jessica Tisch as head of the city's police force, who is well-regarded and praised for her success in reducing crime in New York.
Syracuse University political science professor Grant Reher says, "Although he has not abandoned any of his political goals, keeping Zehran Mumdani on some senior officials from the (previous) administration despite previously criticizing them, indicates that his revolution will not be wild."
