New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's first Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump turned into an unusual political moment Friday, as the two men publicly navigated past attacks while outlining areas of potential cooperation on affordability and public safety. The exchange, which included Trump interrupting a reporter's question about whether Mamdani still believed he was a "fascist," quickly became one of the most discussed political clips of the week.
The meeting drew national attention in part because of its tone. When Fox News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich asked Mamdani if he still held his past view that Trump was a fascist, Trump stepped in before the mayor-elect could finish answering. "That's OK. You can just say yes. It's easier than explaining it. I don't mind," Trump said, also adding that he had been called "much worse."
Mamdani declined to restate his previous criticism and instead emphasized cooperation. He told reporters he planned to work with Trump "where we agree," highlighting a shift toward pragmatism as he prepares to lead a city of 8.5 million. Trump lightly patted Mamdani's arm during the exchange, joking again about the attention: the press spray had drawn what he said were "more reporters than usual."
The conversation moved quickly to shared policy ground. Trump discussed falling energy prices and pushed utilities such as Con Edison to further lower rates. He said he wants to "make New York thrive again," framing affordability as a top federal-local priority.
Mamdani focused on housing, rent, groceries, and utilities, repeating his campaign argument that New Yorkers are facing a "cost-of-living crisis." He positioned these issues as central to his agenda, and Friday's meeting reflected a willingness to work with the White House despite his previous public criticism of the president.
Public safety also played a significant role in the discussion. Mamdani said he intends to maintain "roughly 35,000" NYPD officers while shifting more non-emergency calls toward mental-health responders. Trump responded by saying the city must remove "very bad people" and improve safety overall, signaling alignment on policing even as the two disagree ideologically.
The meeting comes as attention grows over how Mamdani will balance progressive messaging with the practical demands of governing. His ability to navigate that tension may influence how effectively the city secures federal support on housing subsidies, infrastructure spending, and safety programs.
Trump later praised the Oval Office visit on his Truth Social account, calling it a "Great Honor" to meet Mamdani and posting photographs from their discussion. Both men signaled openness to future meetings, suggesting Friday's encounter may serve as a model for further cooperation between the president and New York's incoming mayor.
