The Trump-Mamdani meeting at the White House took an unexpectedly friendly turn as President Donald Trump openly praised incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling him someone who could “surprise” both conservatives and liberals.
“I think he’s gonna surprise some conservative people, actually. And some very liberal people he won’t surprise because they already like him,” Trump said during the press briefing.
Trump Defends Mamdani Against GOP Attacks
Despite past criticism exchanged between the two, the atmosphere remained notably cordial. Trump even defended Mamdani from Republican accusations branding him a “jihadist,” a term used by several GOP figures including Rep. Elise Stefanik.
Trump dismissed the claim, saying he found Mamdani to be a “rational person.”
The president also praised Mamdani’s priorities around affordability and said he intends to support the incoming mayor from the federal level. Trump emphasized he wants Mamdani to succeed in “taking NYC to greater heights.”
Q: “Are you affirming that you think President Trump is a fascist?”@ZohranKMamdani: “I’ve spoken about.”
President Trump: “That’s okay. You can just say yes.”
Mamdani: “Okay. Alright.”
Trump: “It’s easier than explaining it. I don’t mind.” pic.twitter.com/7VgsbGUelX
— CSPAN (@cspan) November 21, 2025
Discussion on Policing and Public Safety
When questioned about policing, Trump commended Mamdani for retaining NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Mamdani reaffirmed that the NYPD’s 35,000-officer headcount would remain, adding that he wants the force focused on “serious crimes.”
Trump Jokes About Being Called a Fascist
At one point, when Mamdani was asked about past comments calling Trump a fascist, Trump stepped in before he could answer: “It’s okay to call him a fascist,” Trump joked. “That’s okay, you can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining it, I don’t mind.”
Later, when pressed again about whether Mamdani still believed Trump supported a “fascist agenda,” Trump interjected with humor: “I’ve been called much worse than a despot.”
Trump Says He Would Feel Comfortable Living in NYC Under Mamdani
Asked whether he would feel comfortable living in New York City under Mamdani’s leadership, Trump said yes, noting that after the meeting he realized they “agree on a lot more than I thought.”
Trump lived in NYC for decades before moving to Florida in 2020.
Cordial Moment Highlights Shared Focus on Cost of Living
During the joint appearance, the two leaders said they aligned on issues such as housing, food prices, and overall cost-of-living pressures—key concerns for working-class voters. Trump described the meeting as a “shared purpose” to improve life for New Yorkers.
Trump Expresses Optimism About Mamdani’s Future as Mayor
Trump concluded the meeting by wishing Mamdani well: “I hope he becomes a really great mayor.”
He added that his administration would help support efforts to strengthen safety and quality of life across the city.
“We’re going to be helping him to make everybody’s dream come true—having a strong and safe New York.”
