NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani Meets Trump, Avoids Labeling Him ‘Fascist’ During Oval Office Discussion

WASHINGTON — New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met with former President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, navigating a tense exchange as the two discussed potential cooperation on city and federal issues.

During the meeting, Trump interrupted Mamdani as the mayor-elect sidestepped directly labeling Trump a “fascist,” a term Trump had referenced himself in a joking manner. The interaction highlighted the political divide between the two figures but did not derail the broader conversation about working together on governance matters.

According to officials familiar with the meeting, Mamdani, a Democratic socialist who won the mayoral race earlier this year, was cautious in his responses when pressed on contentious political characterizations. Trump, who has remained a prominent figure in national politics, interjected with a lighthearted remark urging Mamdani to “just say yes,” referring to the label.

The meeting took place in the Oval Office and lasted approximately 30 minutes. Discussions reportedly touched on a range of topics including infrastructure, public safety, and federal support for New York City initiatives. Both parties expressed a willingness to find common ground despite ideological differences.

Mamdani’s approach during the meeting was seen as an effort to maintain a professional tone while avoiding escalating partisan tensions. Observers noted that the mayor-elect’s refusal to engage in name-calling contrasted with Trump’s more provocative style.

This encounter marks one of the first high-profile interactions between Mamdani and Trump since the mayor-elect’s victory. Mamdani has positioned himself as a progressive leader focused on addressing inequality and reforming city policies, while Trump’s political stance remains aligned with conservative priorities.

The meeting underscores the complexities of navigating political relationships in a polarized environment, especially when leaders with divergent views seek to collaborate on shared challenges. Both sides acknowledged the importance of dialogue in advancing the city’s interests.

No formal agreements were announced following the meeting, but sources indicated that the conversation laid groundwork for potential future cooperation. City officials are expected to continue engaging with federal counterparts to secure resources and support for New York City’s agenda.

As Mamdani prepares to take office, his interactions with national figures like Trump will likely be scrutinized for indications of how he plans to balance progressive goals with pragmatic governance. The Oval Office meeting serves as an early example of the mayor-elect’s strategy in managing political dynamics on the national stage.