In a surprising political development, New York City's incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani has reaffirmed his belief that former US President Donald Trump is a fascist, despite their recent cordial meeting at the White House. The declaration came during a Sunday interview following their Friday discussion about city priorities.
Political Differences Set Aside for Practical Cooperation
Despite months of public criticism and personal attacks, both leaders managed to set aside their differences during the November meeting. Mamdani explicitly told NBC News that his controversial views about Trump remain unchanged, stating "That's something that I've said in the past, I say it today."
The incoming mayor emphasized that his primary focus remains delivering results for New York residents. "Everything that I've said in the past, I continue to believe," Mamdani clarified. "We don't shy away from where we have disagreements, but we understand what it is that brings us to that table... I'm coming in there to deliver for New Yorkers."
Trump's Unexpected Response to Criticism
During the White House briefing, Trump demonstrated an unexpected reaction to Mamdani's position. The former president, who had previously suggested Mamdani should be deported and labeled him a "100% Communist Lunatic," interjected with surprising accommodation.
"That's OK. You can just say it. That's easier," Trump told Mamdani. "It's easier than explaining it. I don't mind." This marked a significant departure from their previous hostile exchanges and set the tone for a surprisingly productive discussion.
Shared Focus on Cost of Living Crisis
The meeting revealed common ground on one critical issue - the affordability crisis affecting New York residents. Both leaders identified cost of living as a primary concern for voters, creating an unexpected area of collaboration despite their stark political differences.
Mamdani explained that he shared with Trump how New Yorkers repeatedly cited cost of living as their main voting concern. "I shared with the president that when I asked those New Yorkers why they voted for the president, they told me again and again it was cost of living, cost of living, cost of living," the incoming mayor revealed.
The discussion specifically focused on several key areas affecting household budgets. Housing costs, childcare expenses, grocery prices, and utility bills emerged as central themes during their conversation, mirroring the core issues of Mamdani's election campaign.
From Political Rivals to Collaborative Partners
The transformation in their relationship was particularly noteworthy given their history of mutual criticism. Beyond Trump's deportation comments and communist allegations, Mamdani had previously accused the former president of attacking democracy.
Yet following their Friday meeting, both leaders emerged smiling and discussing shared objectives for New York City. Trump praised Mamdani's historic election victory and expressed confidence in his leadership capabilities.
"We're going to be helping him to make everybody's dream come true: having a strong and very safe New York," Trump stated, signaling a new chapter in their political relationship focused on practical governance rather than ideological battles.
Mamdani characterized the meeting as productive, noting that they repeatedly returned to the central themes of his campaign. The incoming mayor found common purpose with his former critic in addressing the everyday financial pressures facing New York families.
