‘Just say yes’: Trump cuts in as NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani dodges on calling him a ‘fascist’ at Oval Office
In a notable Oval Office meeting on Friday, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani found himself in a tense yet revealing exchange with former President Donald Trump, as Fox News reporter Jacqui Heinrich pressed Mamdani on his past characterization of Trump as a “fascist.” The interaction unfolded amid discussions centered on pressing urban issues such as affordability, housing, and public safety. Mamdani, who has openly identified as a democratic socialist, aimed to navigate the complexities of working with the Trump administration while maintaining his progressive principles. When asked if he still stood by his previous remarks labeling Trump’s agenda as “fascist,” Mamdani opted for a diplomatic response, stating his intention to collaborate with the president “where we agree” to benefit New York’s 8.5 million residents. Trump, interjecting with humor, encouraged Mamdani to simplify his stance, saying, “You can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining it.”
The meeting highlighted potential areas of collaboration between the two leaders, despite their contrasting political backgrounds. Trump pointed to falling energy prices and expressed a desire for utility companies like Con Edison to reduce rates, while Mamdani emphasized a holistic approach to address the city’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which he described as a threat to families. The dialogue also touched on public safety, with Mamdani advocating for the maintenance of approximately 35,000 NYPD officers, while proposing a shift in handling non-urgent calls towards mental health responders. Both leaders appeared to agree on the necessity of removing “very bad people” from the streets to enhance safety in New York City.
As the meeting concluded, it became evident that Mamdani’s ability to balance his progressive ideals with the political realities of governing alongside Trump could face scrutiny. The mayor-elect expressed a commitment to “meet the moment” and find common ground with the Trump administration, aiming to deliver immediate results for New Yorkers. The exchange not only showcased the complexities of modern governance but also illustrated the potential for bipartisan cooperation on critical urban issues. Trump later shared his appreciation for the meeting on social media, indicating an openness to future discussions. The dynamics of this meeting may set the tone for Mamdani’s administration as he navigates the challenges of leading a major city in a polarized political landscape.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgejOq-PHNc
During an Oval Office media spray Friday, Fox News’ Jacqui Heinrich pressed
New York
City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on whether he still believes President Donald Trump is a “fascist.”
Mamdani
began to answer, but before he could finish, Trump cut in from behind the Resolute Desk.
“That’s OK,” Trump said, before patting Mamdani’s arm. “You can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining it. I don’t mind.”
The full 10-minute exchange capped a wide-ranging meting focused on
affordability, housing and public safety
and brimmed with tension between Mamdani’s past rhetoric and the political reality of governing alongside the Trump White House.
TRUMP, MAMDANI SET TO FACE OFF IN FIRST OVAL OFFICE MEETING — WHAT’S ON THE TABLE
Heinrich had earlier asked Mamdani whether he stood by his previous comments describing Trump’s agenda as “fascist” and “despotic.”
Mamdani did not give a direct answer, saying only that he intended to work with the president “where we agree” to help the city’s 8.5 million residents.
Trump jumped in before he finished, adding with a laugh, “I’ve been called much worse than a despot. Maybe he’ll change his mind.”
TRUMP PREDICTS ‘CIVIL’ MEETING WITH MAMDANI DESPITE PAST COMMENTS ABOUT EACH OTHER
The moment came after both men publicly emphasized areas of potential cooperation. Trump pointed to falling energy prices and said he wanted utilities, including Con Edison, to lower rates.
Mamdani outlined a plan centered on housing
, rent, groceries and utilities, saying New Yorkers are facing a “cost-of-living crisis that threatens to push families out of the city.”
Heinrich also pressed Trump
on Ukraine
, asking how his proposed peace plan would work if President Zelenskyy rejected it.
Trump replied that Ukraine would “have to like it or keep fighting” and repeated his claim that U.S. support would depend on securing an agreement. He also asserted that casualty numbers in the conflict were “far higher” than publicly reported.
DAVID MARCUS: MR. MAMDANI GOES TO WASHINGTON BETWEEN ROCK AND HARD PLACE
The spray also touched on public safety, with
Mamdani saying he intends to maintain roughly 35,000 NYPD officers
while shifting more non-urgent calls away from police and toward mental health responders.
Trump said both men shared a goal of removing “very bad people” and making the city safer, adding, “We want New York to thrive again.”
The exchange with Heinrich is likely to fuel further scrutiny over how Mamdani balances far-left progressive messaging with the realistic demands of governing. The mayor-elect has proudly identified as a democratic socialist but said he intends to “meet the moment” in partnership with the Trump administration when possible.
Trump, who joked that the spray attracted “more reporters than usual,” said he was open to meeting again. Mamdani added the same, saying his goal was to find points of agreement that could “deliver for New Yorkers right away.”
The President posted to
Truth Social
Friday night, documenting the visit with several photos of the two men with the caption, “It was a Great Honor meeting Zohran Mamdani, the new Mayor of New York City!”
The White House
did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
