President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Eric Adams speak with reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on November 21, 2025. [Reuters/Jonathan Ernst]

President Donald Trump praised Mayor-elect Eric Adams as having a "productive" meeting at the White House on Friday, a stark contrast to his previous frequent attacks calling Adams a "communist."

Trump told reporters he hoped for a "great mayor" and that "the better he does, the happier I am." "There's no difference in party or anything else. We're going to help him make his dreams come true. Make a strong and very safe New York," he said in the Oval Office alongside Adams.

Trump later called Adams "rational" and said he would support him once he takes office.

Trump said the two discussed housing and lowering food and energy prices.

Adams said the two leaders discussed immigration enforcement in New York, with Adams raising concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents deployed across the city.

When asked specifically about past instances of attacking Adams and calling him a "communist," Trump suggested the mayor-elect might evolve his views and even impress some conservatives.

"He has some radical views, but who knows. We'll see what works. He'll change. I've changed a lot," Trump said. "I'm convinced he can do a very good job. In fact, I think he'll bring some surprising results to some conservatives."

Adams, who has called Trump a "dictator," was asked about his criticisms of the president. Adams asserted that despite their ideological differences, he and Trump agreed on the need for economic growth and cost reduction.

"I've been called a lot worse than a dictator," Trump said.

The friendly display between the two was somewhat surprising given the past rhetoric exchanged between them.

Trump had spent months railing against Adams, whom he called a "communist," and threatening to cut off federal funding to New York City if Adams implemented certain policies. Trump also urged voters at the end of the election to support former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) in the mayoral race.

Mayor-elect Adams had focused his campaign on the issues of economic performance and cost reduction, which helped Democrats win statewide races in Virginia and New Jersey. However, he vowed to fight any attempt by Trump to cut federal funding or apply federal pressure on the city.

The Hill reported that during their approximately 30 minutes in front of cameras, reporters in the room repeatedly tried to elicit criticism of each other from Trump and Adams. But both leaders showed a firm commitment to focusing on improving New York City, regardless of their political differences.

When one reporter asked Adams if he still thought Trump was a fascist, Trump interjected, patting Adams's arm, and said, "You can just say yes."

"It's easier than explaining," Trump said.

When asked if New Yorkers "like President Trump," Adams responded that residents want an affordable city.

Another reporter asked if Trump was standing next to a "jihadist," a term Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) used to describe Adams.

"No. Not at all... I met a very rational person. I met somebody that wants to make New York great again," Trump said.

By Hong Seong-gu, Chief Editor, The Hill / Special Contribution NNP info@newsandpost.com