Newly elected New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated on Sunday that despite a meeting at the White House, he still believes Donald Trump is a fascist, while mamdani affirmed that he stands by his sharp remarks made about Trump during the election campaign, emphasizing that this steadfastness in one's beliefs, even amidst disagreements, is crucial in politics. He also indicated a willingness to work with Trump on issues vital to New Yorkers, signaling a pragmatic approach despite ideological differences. This declaration comes after their first face-to-face encounter, which has drawn considerable attention in political circles.
First Encounter at the White House
The first face-to-face meeting between newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani and US President Donald Trump took place on Friday at the White House. This encounter was particularly noteworthy given the history of personal attacks and sharp rhetoric exchanged between the two during the election campaign, while despite the contentious backdrop, the conversation was surprisingly good, with both leaders describing it as positive. However, Mamdani remained firm in his previous criticisms, demonstrating a strong political resolve and an unwillingness to compromise on his core beliefs.
'Fascist' and 'Dictator' Remarks
Even after the meeting, Mayor Mamdani explicitly stated that he still believes President Donald Trump is a 'fascist' and a 'dictator', while this strong characterization follows an election cycle that was marked by personal attacks from both sides. At the White House on Friday, the US President warmly encouraged reporters to cheer on the incoming Mayor, suggesting a desire to foster a functional relationship. In return, Mamdani also described the conversation as positive and issue-focused, indicating that despite personal disagreements, both are prepared to work for the benefit of New York.
Newly Elected Mayor Stands by His Comments
Mamdani confirmed that he still stands by his sharp remarks made about Trump during the election campaign. He asserted, "Everything I've said in the past, I still believe. " He added that this is what he finds most important in their politics: "that where we've disagreements, we don't shy away from saying what we believe, but understand why we had to come to that issue, because I'm not coming to the Oval Office to say something or take a stance. I'm coming there to do something for New Yorkers. " This statement clearly outlines his priorities and his commitment to his constituents.
Dialogue Between Trump and Mamdani
Earlier on Friday, when Trump was asked about being called a fascist, he jokingly told Mamdani, "Just say it. " Mamdani responded, "I've said about it. " Trump interjected, smiling, "It's okay, you can just say yes. " He then patted the arm of New York's newly elected Mayor Mamdani, stating it was "much easier than explaining," and added, "I don't mind. " This moment highlighted an unusual yet intriguing dynamic between the two leaders, where a direct personal criticism was met with a lighthearted, almost dismissive, response from the President.
Desire for a Functional Working Relationship
Mamdani conveyed to Trump that New Yorkers he met during the campaign – including those in the Bronx and Queens who voted for Trump – repeatedly cited the rising cost of living as their biggest concern, while he informed Trump that this was also his priority, making it clear that he's committed to addressing the problems faced by the residents of New York. This indicates that despite their political differences, both leaders might find common ground on certain shared issues affecting the populace.
The elected Mayor stated that he went into the White House meeting with a desire to. Build a functional working relationship focused on the issues that keep New Yorkers up at night. He also referenced Trump's election promise from last year, where he vowed to cut spending on the first day of his second term. Mamdani's initiative demonstrates his willingness to overcome political obstacles for the welfare. Of New York and explore the possibility of working collaboratively with the President.
Discussion on National Guard Deployment in NYC
Mamdani also mentioned that he and the US President discussed Trump's previous threats to deploy the National Guard in New York City, while he declined to confirm whether Trump had ruled out such a move but informed the President that the New York Police Department is fully capable of maintaining public safety. Trump later told reporters that he would only send troops to New York if necessary and described their meeting as positive. This discussion sheds significant light on the security of New York City and the potential for federal intervention.
Trump's Electoral Attacks on Mamdani
Weeks before the election, Trump repeatedly attacked Mamdani online, calling him a "communist freak" and warning that he would withhold funds if Mamdani won, while the President had also endorsed Mamdani's main rival, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary. Despite these electoral attacks, the White House meeting and subsequent statements from both leaders have surprised political. Observers, as they suggest that even with profound personal differences, the potential for cooperation on certain issues remains.
