Former President Barack Obama Obama meets Mayor Zohran Mamdani in New York City before reading to preschoolers

In a heartwarming moment on Saturday, former President Barack Obama made a special visit to New York to meet with Mayor Zohran Mamdani for the first time. The pair delighted a group of preschoolers at a local child care center, sharing a story time session and leading a lively rendition of “The Wheels on the Bus.”

This meeting marks a significant occasion as Mamdani, a democratic socialist who recently celebrated his 100th day in office, navigates his role with aspirations of fostering bipartisan cooperation, including efforts to collaborate with Republican President Donald Trump.

Following their engaging activities with the children, Obama and Mamdani opted not to field questions from the media. Instead, they focused on their shared goal of inspiring young minds through the book “Alone and Together.”

Former President Barack Obama, left, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani read a book to children at Learning Through Play Pre-K in New York, on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Former President Barack Obama, left, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani read a book to children at Learning Through Play Pre-K in New York, on Saturday, April 18, 2026.AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis

Obama, who served two terms as president and remains an influential figure in the Democratic Party, has offered his support to 34-year-old Mamdani. With his progressive policies and youthful vigor, Mamdani is making waves within the party, drawing attention and creating promise for future leadership.

After assuming office in January, Mamdani has been committed to transforming New York City into a more affordable haven, focusing on leveraging government power to uplift the city’s working-class residents.

In a bid to address key issues impacting New Yorkers, Mamdani has proactively engaged with President Trump at the White House, holding discussions in both November and February.

Despite those friendly meetings, their relationship has shown signs of strain recently, with Trump posting on social media Thursday that Mamdani was “DESTROYING New York” with his taxing policies and threatened to pull federal funding for the city.

Copyright © 2026 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Missouri skydiving plane crash that killed all 12 aboard is a 'devastating loss,' company says

Missouri Skydiving Plane Crash Kills 12; Company Calls It a “Devastating Loss”

Skydive Kansas City, the company linked to the Missouri plane crash that…
Hochul spells out 50 actions to slash red tape, fees across New York and save 1M hours of time

Hochul Unveils 50 New York Reforms to Cut Red Tape, Lower Fees and Save 1 Million Hours

Gov. Kathy Hochul has unveiled 50 steps her administration says will reduce…
Chicago weather: Calumet City residents deal with more property damage after Saturday night storms amid tornado recovery, cleanup

Calumet City Hit by New Storm Damage as Residents Continue Tornado Recovery and Cleanup

CALUMET CITY, Ill. — Residents across the Chicago area woke up Sunday…
America's wounded, struggling veterans get brand-new homes built by Florida teens

Florida Teens Build New Homes for Wounded Veterans in Need

Young people in Florida are stepping up to support those who have…
Again? Senator Mitch McConnell Back in Hospital With Mystery Ailment

Mitch McConnell Hospitalized Again as Unspecified Health Issue Sparks Renewed Concern

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was taken to the hospital Sunday after experiencing…
NYPD boss Jessica Tisch praises cops for hard work during Knicks victory celebrations

Jessica Tisch Applauds NYPD Officers for Keeping Knicks Victory Celebrations Safe and Under Control

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised officers for their response Saturday night as…
Mexican police investigate body found outside Tijuana Estadio Caliente stadium where Iran prepares for World Cup

Tijuana Police Probe Body Found Outside Estadio Caliente as Iran Trains Ahead of World Cup

Mexican authorities are investigating after a body was discovered outside a stadium…
Zelenskyy congratulates Trump on turning 80 in birthday call, vows more Ukraine peace talks at G7 on Tuesday

Zelenskyy Congratulates Trump on 80th Birthday, Says More Ukraine Peace Talks to Follow at Tuesday’s G7

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that he spoke with President Donald…
Karmelo Anthony judge weighs in on jury verdict — and makes shocking comment about killer

Judge Reacts to Karmelo Anthony Jury Verdict With Shocking Comment About the Killer

The Texas judge who oversaw Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial says he stands…
Carolina Hurricanes win second Stanley Cup, beating Vegas Golden Knights in 6 games

Carolina Hurricanes Capture Second Stanley Cup, Defeat Vegas Golden Knights in 6 Games

The Carolina Hurricanes captured their first Stanley Cup title in 20 years…
Strait of Hormuz: Oil and gas supplies could take months to return to normal after Iran deal, energy experts say

Strait of Hormuz Reopens, but Global Oil and Gas Supply Recovery May Take Months After Iran Deal, Experts Warn

Even with Sunday’s announcement of a deal to halt the Iran war…
Mitch McConnell hospitalized with mystery ailment

Mitch McConnell Hospitalized With Unexplained Health Issue: What We Know So Far

Sen. Mitch McConnell was taken to a hospital Sunday morning, though officials…