That's Ok, I Don't Mind: Trump Jokes About Being Called 'Fascist' By Mamdani In White House

In a productive meeting, Trump and Mamdani addressed New York City's rising affordability issues. Both leaders expressed commitment to improving living conditions for residents.

US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani had warm meeting at the White House on Friday. They both agreed to work together and described their meeting as "very productive" and "great".

Speaking to reporters, the US President said, "We agreed a lot more than I would have thought," His remarks come after both had engaged in months of intense rhetoric against each other during the mayor polls.

"We've just had a great meeting, a really good, very productive meeting. We have one thing in common, we want this city of ours that we love to do very well. I wanted to congratulate the Mayor. He really ran an incredible race against a lot of smart people, starting with the early primaries...and he beat them easily," Trump said in the Oval Office

It took an interesting turn when a reporter asked Mamdani whether he stood by his earlier remarks where he called calling Trump a "fascist". Before he responded, the US President cut in to say, "That's OK, you can just say yes, OK? It's easier. It's easier than explaining it, I don't mind."

Trump patted on Mamdani's arm as they exchanged smiles.

Focus on Common Goals for New York

Mamdani shared Trump's positive assessment of the meeting, emphasizing the urgency of tackling affordability issues in New York City. He acknowledged the importance of addressing cost-of-living challenges that are forcing residents out of the city. "I appreciated the meeting with the president, as he said, it was a productive meeting focused on a place of shared admiration and love, New York City," Mamdani stated. He listed rising rent, groceries, and utilities as critical issues that were discussed.

Trump, a New York native, congratulated Mamdani on his election victory and expressed optimism about the new mayor's potential to exceed political expectations. "I think you're going to have, hopefully, a really great mayor. The better he does, the happier I am. I will say there's no difference in party. I think he is going to surprise some conservative people, actually, and some very liberal people," Trump remarked. He also mentioned the recent decrease in oil prices as a positive sign.

Mamdani's Commitment to Affordability

During their conversation, Mamdani reiterated his commitment to working on affordability for New Yorkers. "We spoke about rent, we spoke about groceries, we spoke about utilities. We spoke about the different ways in which people are being pushed out. I appreciated the time with the president, I appreciated the conversation, and I look forward to working together to deliver that affordability for New Yorkers," Mamdani added.

The meeting between Trump and Mamdani concluded on a hopeful note, with both leaders eager to collaborate on making New York City a better place for its residents. The shared focus on tackling affordability and improving living conditions underscored the importance of their dialogue, paving the way for potential future cooperation.