Boston Mayor Michelle Wu made it clear she’s not looking for a friendly relationship with the federal government, especially after New York City Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani’s recent cordial meeting with President Trump.
Progressive Democrats, who share Mamdani’s views, stressed to local media that they prefer not to mirror the unusually friendly atmosphere of his visit to the White House last Friday.
Wu, when queried about a potential Thanksgiving gathering with Trump, remarked, “From my perspective, flattery is not the way to go,” highlighting her reluctance to engage in such diplomacy.
“The people of Boston want us to stand firm on our values, get things done, and continue to move forward,” she asserted, emphasizing her commitment to these principles.
Since her election in 2021, Wu, whose national visibility has increased, has been an ardent critic of Trump’s policies, particularly his stance on immigration.
Mamdani, a fellow Democrat who openly criticized Trump in his campaign by calling him a “fascist,” seemingly played a more diplomatic role during their Oval Office interaction, focusing on collaboration rather than conflict.
In response to reporters’ questions about his past comments regarding Trump, it was noted that the President even interjected at one point.
Wu, 40, mentioned she might consider meeting with Trump only if certain conditions were met, such as a cessation of illegal detentions and harmful federal actions. “What if that meant a promise to stop snatching people from the streets illegally?” she asked, adding that she could be open to discussions under those circumstances.
However, she also indicated that each city approaches its relationship with the federal government differently, recognizing that leaders must navigate these dynamics based on their unique circumstances.
“Every community has its own individual background,” Wu explained, asserting her determination to resist actions she perceives as detrimental to local citizens.
When asked for his thoughts on Wu’s comments, Mamdani’s transition team pointed to his own remarks from a recent appearance on “Meet the Press.” There, he noted that serving New Yorkers means engaging with all parties, acknowledging differing opinions while striving for consensus.
