Washington, D.C.: In a remarkable and unexpected exchange inside the Oval Office, New York City Mayor elect Zohran Mamdani openly reaffirmed his past comments that President Donald Trump is a “Fascist” while sitting just inches away from him.
The moment unfolded when a reporter asked Mamdani if he still believed Trump embraced fascist ideology a claim he has repeated in public speeches and on social media in previous years.
Before Mamdani could respond, Trump intervened, smiling at reporters and at Mamdani.
“That’s OK. You can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining it,” Trump interjected, surprising everyone in the room.
The socialist mayor elect paused, nodded and replied:
“Okay… yes.”
The exchange stunned reporters, who expected Trump to react defensively. Instead, the president gently patted Mamdani on the arm, appearing unbothered.
No Retraction From Mamdani
Following the Oval Office discussion, Mamdani again refused to retract previous statements in which he labeled Trump a despot advancing a “Fascist agenda.”
Despite the tension implied by his statements, Thursday’s meeting between the two political opposites also included discussions on housing affordability and public transit in New York areas where both leaders unexpectedly expressed shared interest.
A Political Moment Few Expected
The exchange has sparked reactions across the political spectrum. Conservative commentators expressed shock that Trump allowed the comment to pass without confrontation while some on the left were equally surprised that Mamdani made the statement in person, face to face.
Political analysts say the moment may symbolize a new era of public political contradictions where ideological rivals can publicly attack one another and still negotiate policy behind closed doors.
A “Love Hate” Photo Op?
The oval office photos now spreading widely on social media, show Trump smiling beside Mamdani, both men looking unexpectedly comfortable despite the public disagreement. Some observers describe the scene as “A love hate photo op for history.”
What happens next between the two remains to be seen, but Thursday’s moment may be remembered as one of the most unusual confrontations in Oval Office history: a political adversary calling the president a fascist with the president’s permission.
