Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City, reaffirmed his characterization of President Donald Trump as a “fascist” during an interview following their recent Oval Office meeting. While maintaining his stance, Mamdani emphasized the importance of political civility, noting that focusing on their significant differences doesn’t benefit New Yorkers.
In the interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Mamdani expressed appreciation for their dialogue, which acknowledged their disagreements while also addressing the affordability crisis faced by New Yorkers. This meeting, described by media as surprisingly cordial and even “bizarrely chummy,” revealed a commitment to finding common ground on issues such as cost of living, housing, and grocery prices.
Mamdani’s approach in the meeting was aligned with his campaign strategy, which involved engaging with constituents who had previously supported Trump to understand their concerns about living costs. The meeting ultimately focused on how they could work together to improve conditions for New Yorkers, with both acknowledging the need for better solutions to affordability issues.
Afterward, Trump expressed support for Mamdani’s success as mayor, indicating a willingness to collaborate on shared priorities. Despite past criticisms of Mamdani’s urban policies, Trump stated he would feel comfortable living in New York following their discussion.
