1:49President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani speak to members of the media as they meet in the Oval Office at the White House, Nov. 21, 2025. Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
Following a cordial exchange with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani stated Sunday that he remains convinced Trump is a fascist and a menace to democracy.
When questioned on NBC's "Meet the Press" about whether he viewed Trump as a fascist, Mamdani responded, "That’s something I’ve articulated previously. I stand by it today."
However, he conveyed his appreciation for the discourse with Trump because "we didn’t avoid addressing our points of disagreement, regarding the politics that have guided us to this juncture."
Mamdani further asserted that he still regards Trump as a danger to democracy and an autocrat.
President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani speak to members of the media as they meet in the Oval Office at the White House, Nov. 21, 2025.Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
"I continue to hold every prior statement I’ve made. And I believe that’s what’s crucial in our political climate: that we acknowledge where we diverge, while also recognizing what brings us together, because my presence in the Oval Office is not for posturing or making a statement. I am here to deliver results for New Yorkers," he expressed.
Mamdani also mentioned his desire for a friendly meeting to demonstrate to the nation that a productive rapport is possible, even amidst disagreements.
"I consistently considered the implications for New Yorkers if we could forge a productive alliance centered on the concerns that keep them awake at night," he noted. "Too often in our political landscape, we attempt to dictate the issues that should concern people."
Trump and Mamdani projected amiability and engaged in a handshake at a press gathering following their roughly 25-minute private conversation on Friday. Both conveyed mutual agreement on numerous matters.
This affable press conference contrasted with the preceding months marked by verbal exchanges and sharp pronouncements, wherein Trump threatened to halt federal funding for New York if Mamdani secured the mayorship and deploy federal agents to combat crime, while Mamdani criticized ICE’s intensified raids and the administration’s upsurge in deportations.
When a reporter inquired on Friday whether Mamdani still regarded Trump as a fascist, the president intervened with a jest before addressing another inquiry.
"That’s alright, you can simply respond with 'Yes,'" Trump remarked as he patted Mamdani on the back with a chuckle. "It’s simpler. Simpler than providing an explanation."
On Sunday, Mamdani characterized the meeting as "a fruitful one," during which he and Trump emphasized affordability and public safety. While Mamdani didn’t explicitly state that Trump pledged not to deploy troops to New York City, Trump mentioned on Saturday that "other areas need it more" when prompted about the possibility.
Mamdani conveyed that he articulated to the president that "our objective was to ensure public safety and affordability, with the NYPD taking the lead."
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
