The White House is reassured by New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, and President Trump doesn't appear inclined to cut the city's funding, National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett said Sunday.
Why it matters: Only three weeks ago Trump was threatening to largely block federal funds to America's largest city if Mamdani, a Muslim socialist immigrant, was elected mayor.
- But on Friday, Trump had nothing but warm words and positive wishes for Mamdani after their Oval Office meeting.
What they're saying: Hassett, in an interview on CNN's "State of the Union," was asked if Trump had really meant his threats to cut off the city.
- "Well, it feels like he doesn't mean it now, and I guess we'll have to wait and see what Mamdani does. I think that we are really reassured that we've kept the police commissioner," Hassett said.
Context: Earlier this week, Mamdani said he would retain police commissioner Jessica Tisch, who's been credited with strong leadership since taking over the NYPD a year ago.
- Trump's daughter Ivanka is reportedly a "good friend" of Tisch's.
"New York always feels like safety is on the edge, and so the fact that Mamdani as mayor has agreed to keep the police commissioner is a kind of sign that he'll maybe be able to work together with President Trump," Hassett said.
Yes, but: Trump may be warmer on Mamdani, Hassett said, but that doesn't mean he's ready to line up behind the incoming mayor's boldest pledges, like opening city-run grocery stores and making all buses free to ride.
- "None of those really jump off the page for me as really strong ideas," Hassett said, adding there were still opportunities for the two to work together.
The bottom line: Trump's threats appear to have gone by the wayside, at least for now.
