DOJO — New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani says he still believes U.S. President Donald Trump is a “fascist” and a “despot,” even after the two shared an unexpectedly friendly meeting at the White House this week.
The mayor-elect made the comments during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, doubling down on statements he made during his heated campaign — a campaign where both sides traded barbs, accusations, and insults.
What happened in the White House meeting?
After months of tension, the Friday sit-down between President Trump and Mamdani was surprisingly cordial. Trump praised the incoming mayor as someone who “could do a good job,” and said he would be “cheering for him.”
Reporters in the Oval Office pressed Mamdani on his previous remarks, asking whether he still believed Trump was a fascist.
Before Mamdani could respond, Trump jumped in with a laugh:
“That’s OK — you can just say it. It’s easier than explaining it.”
Mamdani simply replied, “Yes.”
The two leaders found common ground on one major issue: the soaring cost of living for New Yorkers. Mamdani said he focused his message on the same concern he heard from Trump voters in the Bronx and Queens — housing, groceries, childcare, and utilities.
Why Mamdani isn’t backing down
Speaking Sunday, Mamdani made it clear that cooperation doesn’t mean silence.
“Everything I’ve said in the past, I continue to believe,” he told host Kristen Welker. “We were not shy about the places of disagreement … and we also wanted to focus on what it could look like to deliver on affordability.”
The mayor-elect emphasized that his goal in the Oval Office was not political performance but practical results:
“I’m coming in there to deliver for New Yorkers.”
During the campaign, the rhetoric was far harsher. Trump called Mamdani a “communist lunatic,” and even endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a last-minute push to defeat him. Mamdani, in turn, labeled Trump a despot and vowed New York would be the “light” in a moment of political darkness.
What they’re agreeing — and disagreeing — on now
Despite their rocky history, both men said they’re committed to working together on key cost-of-living priorities:
- Housing.
- Food prices.
- Energy bills.
- Childcare costs.
Trump also praised Mamdani’s decision to retain NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, a move applauded by the White House.
Still, major disagreements remain. Trump has previously threatened to send National Guard troops to New York City and freeze federal funds — two issues Mamdani confronted him about during the meeting.
The president did not fully rule out deploying troops, saying only:
“If they need it.”
Mamdani responded on Sunday that he trusts the NYPD and does not believe outside intervention is necessary.
What happens next for New Yorkers
As Mamdani prepares to take office, he must also navigate tension within his own party. Key Democratic leaders hesitated to endorse him during the campaign, though he now says he supports Rep. Hakeem Jeffries becoming House Speaker if Democrats retake the chamber in 2026.
The mayor-elect also reiterated his proposal to raise taxes on the highest earners — a plan that will require cooperation from Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature.
In private after his election, Mamdani says he even spoke with former President Barack Obama about how to “inspire hope” and deliver real results.
Despite deep political divides, Mamdani says New Yorkers want something simple:
a city they can afford to live in.
And for now, the president and mayor-elect appear ready — at least publicly — to try working together on that goal.
