In a bizarre Oval Office encounter, New York mayoral-elect Zohran Mamdani had a direct and seemingly innocuous exchange with President Donald Trump, one that has left many scratching their heads. According to reports, when Mamdani asked Trump if he considered himself a fascist, Trump responded matter-of-factly: "If you want to call me that, you can." Mamdani replied calmly, "Okay."
The deadpan exchange has become a viral sensation on social media, with many interpreting it as a prime example of the odd dynamic between two politicians who recently clashed online. Trump had actively campaigned against Mamdani's opponent in the mayoral race, amplifying anti-Muslim and pro-Israel rhetoric against the candidate.
This backdrop makes the Oval Office meeting even more jarring, given that Mamdani had previously criticized Trump's authoritarian policies. However, Mamdani has taken a pragmatic approach to their collaboration, saying that the meeting was initiated by his team to focus on issues affecting New Yorkers, such as affordability and displacement pressures.
Trump brushed off labels like "fascist," suggesting he'd been called worse in the past. While some analysts are speculating about the true nature of the encounter – whether it marks an unlikely policy alignment or Trump's continued fixation on young male politicians – Mamdani may have deliberately used the question to test Trump's reaction.
The exchange has become a defining image of the mayoral race, with both candidates emerging from a bruising campaign and surprisingly finding common ground in the Oval Office.
The deadpan exchange has become a viral sensation on social media, with many interpreting it as a prime example of the odd dynamic between two politicians who recently clashed online. Trump had actively campaigned against Mamdani's opponent in the mayoral race, amplifying anti-Muslim and pro-Israel rhetoric against the candidate.
This backdrop makes the Oval Office meeting even more jarring, given that Mamdani had previously criticized Trump's authoritarian policies. However, Mamdani has taken a pragmatic approach to their collaboration, saying that the meeting was initiated by his team to focus on issues affecting New Yorkers, such as affordability and displacement pressures.
Trump brushed off labels like "fascist," suggesting he'd been called worse in the past. While some analysts are speculating about the true nature of the encounter – whether it marks an unlikely policy alignment or Trump's continued fixation on young male politicians – Mamdani may have deliberately used the question to test Trump's reaction.
The exchange has become a defining image of the mayoral race, with both candidates emerging from a bruising campaign and surprisingly finding common ground in the Oval Office.
. like, Trump just basically said he's into fascist vibes and nobody batted an eye? it's like they're trying to outdo each other on who can be the most chill about being labelled a dictator 
. i gotta give props to Mamdani for keeping that composure tho, it's def not always easy to just play nice with someone as divisive as Trump 
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Mamdani asked him straight up if he thought he was fascist & Trump just shrugged it off like it's no biggie 
newsflash: if u think ur a fascist, thats on u not someone else. Mamdani shoulda taken that as a red flag but instead chose to roll w/ it 
i mean, who is this guy anyway? Mamdani seems like he's just trying 2 make peace w/ the devil & get things done for NYC 
idk about trump being a fascist... i mean it's def a label that should be taken seriously but... yeah maybe he just doesn't think it applies to him? 
kinda impressive how he didn't let trump get to him. also, can we talk about how weird this is for both of them? they were literally online beefing each other like 2 weeks ago, now they're having coffee together and being all chill 
. I mean, can you imagine having a convo with Trump about your views on fascism? It's like a scene from The Social Network but with politicians 
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We'll have to wait and see how it plays out.