President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met at the White House today, where past political clashes were combined with promises of cooperation on issues plaguing the city. Mamdani said he had raised residents' concerns about how ICE operates in New York, while Trump said the discussion focused more on crime, on which – according to him – both sides were of the same opinion: they do not want an increase in crime in the city.
The meeting was also accompanied by unusual moments. When a reporter asked Mamdani if he stood by his previous statements calling Trump a “fascist,” the president humorously interrupted, saying, “Just say yes, it’s easier,” and Mamdani replied, “Okay, yes.” He had previously declined to comment on the Congressional resolution condemning the “horrors of socialism,” saying he was not bothered by political statements in Washington and that his focus was on making New York affordable.
Trump was also asked about plans to sue the BBC and his relationship with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He said he considers Starmer a “good” person, although he highlighted the UK’s problems with energy and immigration. Meanwhile, Mamdani stressed that Trump voters had influenced the shaping of his campaign, especially those who supported the president on affordability grounds.
On questions about the Middle East, Trump said he and Mamdani share a desire for peace, while the mayor-elect recalled that many of his voters want an end to "endless wars." Mamdani was also asked if he stood by his previous statements calling Trump a "despot" and accusing him of a "fascist agenda," but he replied that the meeting focused on their shared mission to serve the people of New York. Trump interjected, saying he "has been called a lot worse than a despot, so it doesn't impress me."
Despite exchanging labels during the campaign, including Trump calling him a “communist” and Mamdani calling him an “authoritarian,” both sides appeared willing to work together. Mamdani said he looked forward to working with the president on affordability, while Trump called him “a great mayor for New York” and reiterated that “everything I do is good for New York.”
