Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is gaining early momentum after what both sides described as a surprisingly cordial and “productive” Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump — a striking shift given the months of heated rhetoric between them.

Mamdani, who takes office January 1, told reporters over the weekend that the discussion focused heavily on affordability — his core campaign theme — as well as immigration and public safety.

“I’m feeling good coming out of that meeting,” Mamdani said outside Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church in the Bronx. “It went back to cost of living, cost of living, cost of living. That’s where this city needs help most.”

The meeting raised eyebrows given Mamdani has previously labeled Trump a “despot,” while the president has called the incoming mayor a “communist.” Yet Mamdani said the conversation was constructive, particularly around ensuring the NYPD remains the lead agency in fighting crime.

“I told the president the cornerstone of any affordability agenda is public safety,” Mamdani said. He added that his decision to retain Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reflects her record of “driving down crime across the five boroughs.”

Mamdani made the remarks after appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press and receiving a blessing from the Bronx congregation — part of a series of public events as he builds out his transition team and prepares his agenda for City Hall.

The mayor-elect delivered remarks that echoed the tone of a campaign stump speech, promising congregants that he intends to deliver on the pledges that propelled him to a decisive victory.