Overview
- President Donald Trump and New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met at the White House on Nov. 21 in a notably cordial session focused on practical city needs.
- During an Oval Office press exchange, Trump cut in when asked about the 'fascist' label and told reporters Mamdani could simply answer yes, saying it did not bother him.
- Mamdani said Sunday he still believes Trump is a fascist, while calling their conversation productive and centered on housing, childcare, groceries and utility costs.
- Both sides pledged to work together for New Yorkers, with Trump praising Mamdani’s prospects as mayor and signaling federal help after earlier threats made during the campaign.
- Reaction in New York ranged from relief at potential cooperation to skepticism from observers who view the outreach as possibly opportunistic given Trump’s recent political difficulties.