New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani stood his ground Friday, refusing to retract his past comments labeling President Donald Trump a fascist—even while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him at the White House.
During a post-meeting press gaggle described by both men as “productive,” a New York Post reporter confronted Mamdani about his earlier attacks on Trump.
“Just days ago you called President Trump a ‘despot,’ said you’d be his ‘worst nightmare,’ and accused him of pushing a fascist agenda. Are you planning to retract any of that to build a better relationship?” the reporter asked.
Mamdani didn’t budge.
“We’re both very clear about our positions,” he said. “What I appreciated today is that the president chose to focus on where we can work together for New Yorkers, not the many areas where we disagree.”
But reporters weren’t done. Another asked him directly: “Are you confirming that you believe President Trump is a fascist?”
Mamdani started to answer—until Trump cut in.
“That’s OK, you can just say yes. It’s easier. I don’t mind,” Trump joked, giving Mamdani a light pat on the arm.
“OK, alright,” Mamdani replied with a grin.
And that was that. No walk-back, no apology—and no sign Trump was bothered. The president, who once dismissed Mamdani as a “100 percent communist lunatic,” appeared almost charmed by the outspoken Democratic Socialist.