By MoneyUncut International Desk
In a tense yet surprisingly light moment at the Oval Office on Friday, President Donald Trump stepped in when New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani hesitated to answer whether he still believes Trump is a “fascist.” The brief exchange occurred during an on-camera press spray that followed a wide-ranging discussion on housing affordability, public safety and federal–city cooperation.
As Fox News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich questioned Mamdani about his past characterizations of Trump’s policies as “fascist” and “despotic,” the incoming mayor began offering a diplomatic response. Before he could finish, Trump jumped in from behind the Resolute Desk, lightly tapping Mamdani on the arm.
“You can just say yes—it’s easier than explaining it,” Trump joked, adding, “I don’t mind.”
The comment triggered a wave of laughter across the room, but it also underscored the political tightrope Mamdani now faces: balancing his identity as a democratic socialist with the practical demands of collaborating with a White House led by Trump.
A Meeting Framed by Affordability and Public Safety
The two leaders met for roughly ten minutes, focusing heavily on New York’s rising cost of living. Mamdani outlined his plan to tackle what he called a “deepening affordability crisis,” emphasizing soaring rents, grocery prices, and utility bills.
Trump, meanwhile, highlighted falling national energy prices and pressed for utility companies—including Con Edison—to reduce rates for New Yorkers.
Despite stark ideological differences, both men expressed interest in strengthening cooperation. Mamdani said his administration would work with the president “where we agree, because New Yorkers deserve immediate results.”
Clashing Messaging Meets Governing Reality
Heinrich again pressed Mamdani on his past harsh descriptions of Trump’s agenda. Mamdani avoided a direct answer, focusing instead on the importance of federal support for the city.
Trump used the moment to inject humor:
“I’ve been called worse than a despot. Maybe he’ll change his mind.”
Behind the levity, analysts note that Mamdani is navigating a transition from progressive activism into real-world governance, where cooperation with federal authorities is often necessary.
Ukraine Question Sparks Another Heated Moment
The conversation briefly shifted to international politics when Heinrich asked Trump how his proposed peace plan for Ukraine would move forward if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused to accept it.
Trump replied bluntly that Ukraine would “have to like it or keep fighting,” while reiterating that U.S. support would depend on achieving a negotiated outcome. He also suggested that actual casualty numbers were “much higher” than publicly reported.
Public Safety: A Shared Objective
Mamdani indicated he would maintain NYPD staffing at around 35,000 officers, while redirecting certain non-emergency calls toward mental-health response teams. Trump praised the approach and emphasized their shared goals of tackling crime and restoring safety.
“We want New York to thrive again,” Trump said.
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing openness to future discussions. For Mamdani, the encounter will likely intensify scrutiny over how he balances progressive messaging with the day-to-day responsibilities of leading the nation’s largest city.