Obama Meets with NYC Mayor Mamdani at Bronx Preschool

Former president and progressive mayor read to children, lead sing-along

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A warm, cinematic painting of two men reading to a group of young children in a sunlit classroom, the scene bathed in deep shadows and muted colors, capturing the quiet, thoughtful mood of the event.The meeting between the former Democratic president and the rising progressive mayor highlights the shifting dynamics within the party as new leaders emerge.NYC Today

Former President Barack Obama met privately with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Saturday before the two joined together to read to preschoolers and lead a sing-along at a child care center in the Bronx. The meeting comes as the democratic socialist mayor is also trying to build a working relationship with Republican President Trump.

Why it matters

The meeting between the former Democratic president and the rising progressive star in the party highlights the generational and ideological shifts happening within the Democratic Party, as well as Mamdani's efforts to work across the aisle with the Republican president on issues affecting New York City.

The details

Obama and Mamdani did not take questions after reading the book "Alone and Together" to the children and leading a sing-along of "The Wheels on the Bus." The former two-term president has offered to be a sounding board for the 34-year-old Mamdani, whose youth and progressive agenda have made him stand out in Democratic politics. Mamdani took office in January after a campaign centered on making New York City more affordable for the working class.

  • Obama and Mamdani met privately on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • The meeting comes just over a week after Mamdani marked his 100th day in office.

The players

Barack Obama

Former President of the United States and standard-bearer for the Democratic Party.

Zohran Mamdani

The 34-year-old democratic socialist mayor of New York City, who took office in January after a campaign focused on making the city more affordable for the working class.

Donald Trump

The Republican President of the United States, who Mamdani has met with twice at the White House to discuss issues affecting New York City.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is one place of agreement that we have, which is that we both love New York City.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

What’s next

Mamdani and Trump are expected to continue their discussions on issues affecting New York City, despite their political differences.

The takeaway

The meeting between Obama and Mamdani highlights the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party, as progressive leaders like Mamdani emerge and seek to work across the aisle, even with Republican leaders like Trump, to address the needs of their constituents.