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.

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