In a light-hearted visit to the Learning Through Play Pre-K Center in the Bronx on Saturday, former President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani spent time reading to preschoolers and leading solos, the first such collaboration for the pair.
The event marked the first personal meeting between the two leaders. The pair read the book “Alone and Together” and gave a rousing rendition of “The Wheels on the Bus.”
Social media clips showed the two singing and playing with children, showing a rare, casual side of high-profile politicians.
In addition to the fun, the trip also included meetings with families and a private discussion about Mayor Mamdani’s administration goals.
Obama also posted about the meeting, calling it a “fantastic time with the loveliest people in New York City” and joking about singing “Wheels on the Bus” during the visit.
The conversation discussed his efforts to expand free child care and improve affordability for the working class. The meeting took place as Mamdani—a democratic socialist—approached his 100th day in office.
Since being sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City in January 2026, he has tried to build relationships across the political spectrum, including maintaining professional dialogue with President Donald Trump.
