New York City's incoming Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has stuck to his guns, declaring that US President Donald Trump is still a fascist despite their cordial White House meeting last week. The two men, who have been bitter adversaries during the election campaign, met on Wednesday for the first time since the November 2nd vote that saw Mamdani take office.
In an interview with NBC News aired on Sunday, Mamdani reiterated his earlier assertion that Trump is a fascist, saying "That's something that I've said in the past; I say it today". The incoming mayor's comments came as a surprise to some given the warm tone of their meeting and President Trump's subsequent praise for Mamdani's historic election win.
Despite months of mutual recriminations and promises to cooperate on the city's future, Mamdani maintained that his views on Trump remained unchanged. When asked if he continued to view Trump as a fascist during the White House meeting, President Trump intervened, saying "That's OK. You can just say it. That's easier... I don't mind".
Mamdani's comments have been seen by some as a sign of continuity from his pre-election stance on Trump. The two leaders discussed the city's future and their shared desire to make life better for New Yorkers, but also acknowledged areas of disagreement.
While President Trump expressed support for Mamdani's historic win and praised the new mayor's ability to improve the city, some observers see this as a strategic move by the President to downplay his earlier criticisms of Mamdani. The meeting was seen by many as a positive step towards cooperation between the White House and City Hall, but also raised questions about the long-term durability of their newfound rapport.
As for Mamdani, it remains to be seen whether he will stick to his guns on Trump's fascist label despite their cordial meeting. However, one thing is clear: the incoming mayor has sent a strong message that he will not compromise on his values and principles.
In an interview with NBC News aired on Sunday, Mamdani reiterated his earlier assertion that Trump is a fascist, saying "That's something that I've said in the past; I say it today". The incoming mayor's comments came as a surprise to some given the warm tone of their meeting and President Trump's subsequent praise for Mamdani's historic election win.
Despite months of mutual recriminations and promises to cooperate on the city's future, Mamdani maintained that his views on Trump remained unchanged. When asked if he continued to view Trump as a fascist during the White House meeting, President Trump intervened, saying "That's OK. You can just say it. That's easier... I don't mind".
Mamdani's comments have been seen by some as a sign of continuity from his pre-election stance on Trump. The two leaders discussed the city's future and their shared desire to make life better for New Yorkers, but also acknowledged areas of disagreement.
While President Trump expressed support for Mamdani's historic win and praised the new mayor's ability to improve the city, some observers see this as a strategic move by the President to downplay his earlier criticisms of Mamdani. The meeting was seen by many as a positive step towards cooperation between the White House and City Hall, but also raised questions about the long-term durability of their newfound rapport.
As for Mamdani, it remains to be seen whether he will stick to his guns on Trump's fascist label despite their cordial meeting. However, one thing is clear: the incoming mayor has sent a strong message that he will not compromise on his values and principles.
... I get where he's coming from, but at the same time, it was pretty cool to see them shaking hands and talking about New York City's future 
. But I think what really got me was when President Trump just kind of nodded along with Mamdani saying that out loud 
. It's like he knew that was going to be a sticking point. I don't know if it's a sign of things to come or just a strategic move, but one thing's for sure - Mamdani's not backing down on his views 
.
president trump's approval after their meeting seems kinda shallow tho... maybe it's a calculated move by the president to ease up on the tension between them? 
regardless, it's refreshing to see mamdani standing firm on his values and not backing down just 'cause of diplomatic relations 
Mamdani is totally sticking to his guns saying Trump's a fascist even after their chill White House meetup 
I gotta respect the guy for being true to himself, but at the same time it's all kinda confusing... does he really think they can just work together despite having such strong differences? 
. I mean, it's not like they're exactly best buds or anything 
. But at the same time, it's also kinda clear that Trump wants to downplay his earlier criticisms and make things look more positive between them 
. Mamdani is still gonna be super true to himself and not compromise on what he believes in 
. I think that's actually kinda refreshing 
.
... Mamdani's not backing down from his stance on Trump being a fascist, and that's something to watch. Can they really make life better for New Yorkers without compromising their values? Only time will tell 
. Not sure what the end goal is here, but it'll be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out 
.
. I mean, it's one thing to say it in a heated election campaign and another to say it straight up like that. The whole situation is kinda confusing, but at the end of the day, if he believes it, he should be able to stick by it 
. It's all about being true to yourself and your values, even if that means ruffling a few feathers.
. i mean, after meeting in person, he's still gonna call trump a fascist? that's like me calling my brother-in-law a jerk just because we haven't talked all year 
... and btw, who needs a label when you can just call someone out for being extra 
I don't think we should jump to conclusions just yet... 1st time they met, still lots of history between them, & Trump actually kinda gave Mamdani a pass on labeling him fascist 
.
. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that they had a cordial meeting and all, but at the end of the day, Mamdani's still sticking to his guns on this one. It's almost like he's trying to prove a point about his commitment to his values 
. But what's even more interesting is how Trump responded - I mean, did he really just say it's easier to just say it? 
.
... I mean, that's not exactly the kind of diplomatic language you'd expect from a US President, but hey, at least he's giving Mamdani some breathing room 
. Still, it's a pretty clever move on Trump's part - using his own words against him, if you will 
.
I mean, can't we all just get along? 
It's all about staying true to yourself 
especially when it comes to your values and principles 
I'm curious if this will affect their future working relationship or if it'll just be a smooth sail 
Guess we'll have to wait and see 
Mamdani is sticking to his guns, which shows he's confident in his views, but also kinda reckless 
I mean, you don't just declare someone a fascist without being super prepared for the fallout 
What Trump said afterwards is actually kind of cute 
... it'll be interesting to see how this plays out in the long run 
Or is this just some clever strategic move to show the President who's boss?