Mamdani says US is funding Gaza genocide during meeting with Trump

US President Donald Trump and incoming New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani had their first face-to-face meeting at the Oval Office on Friday, with reporters recalling the harsh remarks they exchanged during the mayoral campaign. Despite their contentious past, both leaders appeared cordial and expressed willingness to work together for the betterment of New York.

Trump, who once called Mamdani a “jihadist” and even threatened to revoke his US citizenship during the NYC mayoral polls, praised him warmly during the meeting.

He also defended Mamdani against the recent “jihadist” remark made by Representative Elise Stefanik, the Republican congresswoman running for New York governor. Trump dismissed her comment, saying she was “out there campaigning.”

“Sometimes you say things in a campaign,” Trump said.

He further commended Mamdani, calling him “a very rational person” and adding, “I met with a man who really wants New York to be great again.”

Both leaders told the press they were committed to cooperating on key issues for the benefit of New Yorkers, acknowledging their political differences but insisting they would not let them hinder progress.

“We’ve just had a great meeting, a really productive meeting. We have one thing in common: we want this city of ours that we love to do very well,” Trump said, while praising Mamdani’s election campaign.

Mamdani echoed similar sentiments, saying he discussed several issues with Trump, including the rising cost of living. “I appreciated the meeting with the president, and as he said, it was a productive meeting focused on a place of shared admiration and love, which is New York City,” he said.

Mamdani added that he urged Trump to reduce the cost of living by ending US involvement in foreign conflicts. He cited Israel’s assault on Gaza and stated clearly that the US was funding it.

During their exchange with reporters, Mamdani said: “I have spoken about the Israeli government committing genocide, and I’ve spoken about our government funding it…” Trump stood silently beside him.

Another notable moment came when a reporter asked Mamdani whether he still believed Trump was a fascist. Before Mamdani could respond, Trump interjected casually and said, “That’s okay, you can just say it.” Mamdani replied, “Yes.”

Mamdani, a democratic socialist who drew criticism from business elites and the far right during the campaign, said both he and Trump agreed on tackling poverty and economic inequality. “That’s something that could transform the lives of 8.5 million people who are currently facing a cost-of-living crisis, with one in four living in poverty,” he said.