How Did the Relationship Between Trump and de Blasio Change Despite Their Political Differences?

New York City Mayor Eric Adams described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and "architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people," in an interview with CNN shortly after meeting former U.S. President Donald Trump at his official residence, Trump Tower.

Meeting at Trump Tower

On Tuesday, Adams hosted Trump at Trump Tower, the official residence of the New York City mayor, in the first presidential visit to the building since President Ronald Reagan left office. The meeting lasted about an hour and a half, according to the New York Post, which was cited by Al-Ain News.

Trump praised Adams during the meeting, wishing him to be "a great mayor," while Adams affirmed his readiness to cooperate with the former U.S. president on issues directly affecting city residents, including reducing living costs, immigration, and housing.

Discussion on Immigration and Housing Projects

The meeting focused on immigration and a proposed housing project in Queens, where Adams is seeking federal support. Trump and Adams also exchanged memories about Trump Tower, with Trump describing the building as "unique" and referencing the various mayors he had met there over the years, dating back to his time as a real estate developer in New York City.

In a press conference following the meeting, Trump said: "I've seen the place with many different mayors; some were great, others weren't. So I hope you're a great mayor. I can already say you'll be great, and you've started off well."

An Unexpected Friendship After Past Conflicts

The New York Post noted that this meeting is part of a series of friendly encounters between two figures dubbed by American media as the "unexpected political duo." Although they previously exchanged insults, they managed to build a friendship through secret meetings held before this public appearance in New York.

Adams spoke positively about Trump, who made opposing socialist risks a central theme of his campaign in the midterm elections, saying: "We appreciate the president's commitment to the city. Today, as you know, we shared many of his memories about his past visits to Trump Tower and his presence here and in the outdoor garden. We also appreciated the discussion on how to work together to lower living costs for New Yorkers."

Adams’s Position on the International Arrest Warrant

Regarding the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu, Adams affirmed it "must be respected," adding that "no one should be above accountability." He noted that this issue was among those discussed during his meeting with Trump.

In previous statements, Adams clarified that, as mayor of New York City, he has no legal authority to enforce the arrest warrant, emphasizing that both the United States and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute governing the International Criminal Court.

Adams’s stance comes ahead of Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to New York to attend sessions of the United Nations General Assembly, where he is scheduled to deliver a speech on Thursday.