Washington, November 22: US President Donald Trump struck an unexpectedly relaxed tone during his meeting with New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, telling him he had no objection to being called a “fascist,” a description Mamdani had used during campaign events. According to CNN, when Mamdani was asked whether he stood by the remark, Trump cut in and said, “That’s okay. You can just say yes. I don’t mind.”
Despite the political friction, Trump described their Oval Office conversation as constructive and focused on shared priorities. He said the two discussed housing development, rising food costs and other issues affecting New Yorkers, adding that both leaders wanted the city to “do very well.”
Trump also praised Mamdani’s early approach, saying he believed the incoming mayor might “surprise” people across the political spectrum.
Mamdani echoed the sentiment, calling the discussion productive and centred on residents’ struggles with affordability. He said they spoke about soaring rents, grocery bills and utility expenses that continue to push families out of the city. Mamdani added that he looked forward to working with the administration to address these concerns.
