Mamdani sticks to his criticism of Trump despite the friendly meeting at the White House

WASHINGTON (AP) — New York City Mayor-elect Zahran Mamdani did not back down in an interview aired Sunday from past criticism that President Donald Trump acted like a tyrant and a fascist after a surprisingly cordial meeting at the White House between the two men.

The newly elected Democratic Socialist and the Republican president have harshly criticized each other in the past. Trump called Mamdani a “100% communist lunatic” in a social media post after the new mayor won the election, and Mamdani said Trump was attacking democracy. However, both political parties appeared smiling after Friday’s meeting and talked about common goals.

He watches: Trump and Mamdani meet in the Oval Office after months of exchanging insults

When Mamdani was asked about his past criticism during an interview on “Meet the Press” on Saturday, he said his views had not changed.

“Everything I said in the past, I still believe,” Mamdani said. “And that’s the thing that I think is important in our politics, is that we don’t shy away from where we have disagreements, but we understand what brings us to that table, because I’m not coming to the Oval Office to make a point or take a position. I’m coming there to help the people of New York.”

Trump ignored Mamdani’s criticism on Friday, and even defended him several times. When a reporter asked if Mamdani stood by his comments that Trump is a fascist, Trump interrupted before Mamdani could fully answer the question.

“It’s okay. You can just say yes. Okay?” Trump said. “It’s easier. It’s easier to explain. I don’t mind.”

In response to a question about fascist criticism on “Meet the Press,” Mamdani said: “This is something I said in the past. And I say it today.”

Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, said on CNN’s “State of the Union” talk show that Trump wants to work with everyone who cares about the future of the American people.

“We disagree sometimes on policies, but I think the goal of making life better for everyone is something shared by a lot of people on the Democratic and Republican side,” Hassett said.

Despite the political distance, the White House meeting offered potential political benefits for both men. The incoming mayor was able to meet with the president one-on-one, and Trump got to talk about affordability, an increasingly important issue for voters.