Obama and Mamdani engage preschoolers amid political tensions

Former US President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met for the first time at a Bronx childcare center this week. The two read to preschoolers and led a sing-along of "The Wheels on the Bus." Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is attempting to build a working relationship with Donald Trump, Obama's Republican successor.

Mamdani, who recently marked his 100th day in office, has focused his agenda on making New York City more affordable for its working-class residents. Obama has offered to be a sounding board for the 34-year-old mayor, who has gained attention for his progressive policies. However, Mamdani's relationship with Trump has become strained, with Trump recently criticizing him on social media, stating that Mamdani was "DESTROYING New York" with his tax policies and threatening to withdraw federal funding for the city.

The meeting highlights Mamdani's efforts to balance relationships across the political spectrum while advocating for his agenda. Obama's involvement may bolster Mamdani's standing within the Democratic Party, but the tensions with Trump expose the challenges Mamdani faces in implementing his policies amid opposition from the federal government.

What to watch: Mamdani's upcoming decisions regarding his tax policies and how they may influence his relationship with Trump and federal funding for New York City.