Mamdani still believes Trump a ‘fascist’ after White House meeting

New York’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, mentioned Sunday he nonetheless believes President Donald Trump is a “fascist” after their high-profile assembly Friday on the White Home.

“That is one thing I’ve mentioned up to now, and I am saying it at this time,” he instructed NBC host Kristen Welker on “Meet the Press.”

Welker pressed the self-described democratic socialist about an incident from a media spray within the Oval Workplace, during which Fox Information’ Jacqui Heinrich requested him if he nonetheless believes President Trump is a “fascist.”

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US President Donald Trump meets with newly elected New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani (L) within the Oval Workplace of the White Home on November 21 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnick/Getty Pictures)

Mamdani started to reply, however earlier than he may end his sentence, Trump intervened, saying, “That is okay,” and patting Mamdani’s arm.

“You possibly can simply say sure. It is simpler than explaining it. I do not thoughts,” Trump added.

On Sunday, Welker additionally pressed Mamdani on whether or not he nonetheless believes the president is a “risk to democracy” or a “despot.”

“I proceed to consider all the things I’ve mentioned up to now,” Mamdani responded.

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Newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks at his election night time social gathering in Brooklyn, New York, on November 4. (Barry Williams/New York Each day Information/Tribune Information Service through Getty Pictures)

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“And I believe an important factor in our politics is that we do not draw back from variations of opinion, however we perceive what it’s that brings us to the desk,” he added.

Mamdani mentioned he “appreciated” his dialog with Trump for being sincere in regards to the disagreement whereas being open to the pursuits of New Yorkers and the affordability disaster.

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Trump and Mamdani met on the White Home on Friday to debate urgent problems with affordability, housing and public security following Mamdani’s decisive victory within the New York Metropolis mayoral race this month.

On public security, Mamdani mentioned he plans to maintain about 35,000 NYPD officers on employees whereas shifting extra non-emergency calls away from police and towards psychological well being suppliers — a remark he reiterated Sunday.

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Fox Information’ Hanna Panreck, Jasmine Baher and Jacqui Heinrich contributed to this report.