Trump Jokes It’s Fine for Mamdani to Call Him a ‘Fascist’: “You Can Just Say Yes”

The 45-minute discussion, which both sides described as productive, centered largely on affordability and the rising cost of living in New York City.

Trump: “I’ve Been Called Much Worse Than a Despot”

When reporters asked Mamdani if he would retract his previous remark labeling Trump a “fascist,” Trump quickly interjected with a lighthearted comment:

“You can just say yes — it’s OK.”

In another humorous moment, Trump responded to a question about Mamdani once calling him a “despot.” The President downplayed the insult:

“I’ve been called much worse than a despot, so it’s not that insulting.”

Mamdani: “We Have Many Differences, but Also Shared Purpose”

Pressed again on whether he would walk back his past criticism in an effort to strengthen their working relationship, Mamdani did not directly retract his words. Instead, he emphasized the constructive tone of the meeting.

“President Trump and I are both very clear about our positions and our views,” he said.

“What I really appreciate is that the meeting focused not on disagreements — which are many — but on our shared purpose of serving New Yorkers.”

Mamdani highlighted that 8.5 million New Yorkers are struggling under a deepening cost-of-living crisis, with one in four living in poverty. The conversation, he said, repeatedly returned to how the city and federal government could work together:

“We talked about what it would look like to lift New Yorkers out of struggle and deliver a city they can truly live in, not just barely afford.”

A Meeting That Signals Potential Cooperation

Despite stark political differences — Mamdani being a Democratic Socialist and Trump a Republican president — the meeting was described as cordial, even friendly. Both leaders signaled a willingness to collaborate on areas of mutual concern, especially economic issues facing New York City.