Trump and Mamdani bond over affordability issues, love of New York and winning in collegial Oval Office meeting

(CNN) — New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani was pressed Friday on whether he believes President Donald Trump is a fascist.

Standing beside his host in the Oval Office, Mamdani began to answer – until the president, seated, interrupted.

“That’s OK – you can just say yes. That’s easier. It’s easier than explaining,” Trump told his guest, laughing it off as he playfully tapped Mamdani on the arm.

That collegial interaction was nearly unthinkable in the lead-up to the meeting as both sides postured, but the leader of the MAGA movement and the self-described democratic socialist made clear their conversation was a productive one – friendly, even.

“The better he does, the happier I am,” Trump said of the mayor-elect, later expressing openness to living in Mamdani’s New York City.

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