Trump tells NYC mayor-elect ‘just say yes’ on fascist question in meeting

During a media splash in the Oval Office on Friday, Fox News’ Jacqui Heinrich pressed New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on whether she still believes President Donald Trump is a “fascist.”

Mamdani started to answer, but before she could finish, Trump interrupted from behind the Resolute Desk.

“No problem,” Trump said before patting Mamdani’s arm. “You can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining. I don’t mind.”

The entire 10-minute interview capped a wide-ranging availability focused on affordability, housing and public safety, and was fraught with tension between Mamdani’s past rhetoric and the political reality of the administration alongside the Trump White House.

TRUMP AND MAMDANI WILL MEET AT THEIR FIRST OVAL OFFICE MEETING – WHAT’S ON THE TABLE

Heinrich had previously asked Mamdani if ​​he stood by his previous comments describing Trump’s agenda as “fascist” and “despotic.”

Mamdani did not provide a direct response, saying only that he planned to work with the president “where we agreed” to help the city’s 8.5 million residents.

Before he could finish, Trump interjected and laughingly added: “I’ve been called worse than a despot; maybe he’ll change his mind.”

TRUMP PREDICTIONS A ‘CIVIL’ MEETING WITH MAMDANI, DESPITE PAST COMMENTS ABOUT EACH OTHER

US President Donald Trump meets with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (left) at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington DC on November 21, 2025. (Andrew Harnick/Getty Images)

The moment came after both men publicly highlighted areas of potential collaboration. Trump noted falling energy prices and said he wants utilities, including Con Edison, to cut rates. New Yorkers face “a cost-of-living crisis that threatens to push families out of the city,” Mamdani said, outlining a plan focused on housing, rent, food and utilities.

Heinrich also pressed Trump on Ukraine, asking how his proposed peace plan would work if President Zelenskyy rejects it.

Trump said Ukraine must “like it or keep fighting” and reiterated his claim that U.S. support would be contingent on reaching a deal. He also suggested that the number of casualties in the conflict was “much higher” than what had been publicly reported.

DAVID MARCUS: MR. MAMDANI GOES TO WASHINGTON BETWEEN ROCK AND HARD PLACE

US President Donald Trump meets with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (left) at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington DC on November 21, 2025. (Andrew Harnick/Getty Images)

The spray also addressed public safety; Mamdani said he plans to keep about 35,000 NYPD officers on duty and shift more non-emergency calls from police to mental health response teams.

“We want New York to thrive again,” Trump said, noting that both men share the goal of eliminating “very bad people” and making the city safer.

The exchange with Heinrich is likely to spark greater scrutiny over how Mamdani balances the progressive messages of the far left with the realistic demands of the administration. The mayor-elect has proudly described himself as a democratic socialist, but has said he intends to “seize the moment” in partnership with the Trump administration whenever possible.

Joking that the spray “attracted the attention of more reporters than ever before,” Trump said he was open to meeting again. Mamdani added the same, saying his goal was to find points of agreement that would “immediately benefit New Yorkers.”

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

President sent a message Real Social “It was a Huge Honor to meet New York City’s new Mayor Zohran Mamdani!”, the photo posted Friday night documenting the visit with several photos of the two men. It was titled.

The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.