US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani shared a light-hearted moment in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday after a reporter asked the democratic socialist if he thought the POTUS was a fascist.
Mamdani and Trump had a very productive meeting, discussing a variety of issues including housing affordability and the cost of food and services.
When asked by a reporter during a question-and-answer session after the announcement if he still thought Trump was a despot, Mamdani said, “I think both President Trump and I are very clear on our positions and our views.”
“And I’ve been called a lot worse than a despot, so it’s not that offensive,” Trump replied, prompting laughter.
Later, a reporter asked the mayor-elect about his previous reference to Trump as a ‘fascist’.
Mamdani began to respond to how he and the president had differing opinions. But Trump quickly interrupted.
The light moment drew laughter from those present in the Oval Office.
“It’s okay. You can say yes. OK?” Trump said. “It’s easier. It’s easier than explaining it. I don’t mind,” Trump said before the mayor-elect could fully answer the question.
Quoting the video on Twitter, Vice President JD Vance said, “POTUS has a lot of good moments, but this one is timeless.”
Throughout the speech and the press conference, Trump and Mamdani, who were in each other’s sights, appeared friendly. The president also brushed aside Mamdani’s criticism of him.
The US president said he was surprised by their “great” meeting and said he thought Mamdani would actually surprise some conservative people.
Trump said they had a great and very productive meeting, saying, “We have one thing in common. We want to do very well for this city of ours (New York) that we love… We’re going to help it achieve everyone’s dream of having a strong and very safe New York,” Trump said.
“I expect to help him, not hurt him. Because I want NYC to be great. Look, I love NYC. That’s where I’m from,” Trump added.
