WASHINGTON – In an unusual exchange at the White House Friday, President Donald Trump told New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani it was “OK” for him to continue referring to the president as a fascist, a label Mamdani has used publicly. The moment occurred during a meeting between the two at the White House on November 21.
Mamdani’s past statements describing Trump’s ideology as fascist surfaced during a question from a reporter regarding whether the mayor-elect still held that view. Before Mamdani could fully respond, Trump interjected, saying, “It’s OK.He can just say that,” and smiled. The comment references Mamdani’s victory speech, were he pledged to “reject Donald Trump’s fascism,” and subsequent interviews reiterating his position.
Both Trump and Mamdani described the meeting as “productive.” Despite previously labeling Mamdani a “communist,” Trump expressed optimism about potential collaboration on issues facing New York City, including crime, housing, and the cost of living. He also signaled a softening stance on previous threats to withhold federal funding from the city, stating, “I hope to help you, not hurt you.”
Trump acknowledged potential disagreements on policy approaches but ultimately praised the mayor-elect, saying, “While he said the two ‘may disagree on how to get there,’ he praised the mayor-elect.” He added, “I think this mayor can do some realy great things.”
