Mamdani, Who Showed 'Bromance' With Trump, Says "I Still Think He Is a Fascist"

At the White House meeting,
cordial atmosphere displayed
Trump shields Mamdani when asked about "fascist" label

Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York, who recently appeared to have a warm rapport with U.S. President Donald Trump, stated that he still considers Trump a fascist.

Reuters Yonhap News

In an interview with NBC News on the 23rd (local time), Mamdani was asked whether he thinks President Trump is a fascist. He replied, "I have said that in the past, and I still think so today."

When asked whether he believes President Trump is a threat to democracy, Mamdani also said, "I continue to believe everything I have said in the past."

He added, "I think it's important in our politics that we don't try to avoid the areas where we disagree, but instead understand what brings us to the same table. Because I'm not going to the Oval Office to make a point or to confront anyone. I'm going there to deliver results for New Yorkers."

Mamdani met with President Trump at the White House on the 21st. Since the two had criticized each other during the New York mayoral election, their White House meeting was expected to be contentious, but the unexpectedly friendly atmosphere drew attention. When Mamdani was asked by reporters whether he still considered President Trump a fascist and was about to answer, President Trump intervened, saying, "It's okay. You can just say that (I'm a fascist)," even blocking uncomfortable questions from conservative media outlets.

Previously, the two had exchanged sharp attacks throughout the New York mayoral election. President Trump called Mamdani "100% communist" and "completely insane," threatening to cut off federal funding to New York City and deploy federal troops if Mamdani was elected. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, also stated, "I will use my power to reject Trump's fascism," and has criticized President Trump's anti-immigration policies and more.

The two told reporters that their conversation focused on issues related to New York City's development, such as inflation and crime. In the interview, Mamdani said he was grateful for the conversation with President Trump, as they could focus on their shared interest in improving the lives of New Yorkers rather than their differences.

When asked whether he had received a commitment from President Trump not to send troops to New York City, Mamdani answered that he shared with President Trump his decision to retain Jessica Tisch as Commissioner of the New York Police Department, given her success in reducing crime in the city.

Mamdani stated, "I told President Trump that what distinguishes New York City from the rest of America is the NYPD, and that I believe the NYPD will ensure public safety," making it clear that the NYPD should be responsible for public safety in New York City.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.