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New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has reaffirmed his characterization of President Donald Trump as a fascist and a threat to democracy, just days after the two leaders held what he described as a productive meeting at the White House.
In an interview aired Sunday on NBC News, Mamdani said he has not softened any of his previous criticisms of the president despite their Friday sit-down. "Everything that I've said in the past, I continue to believe," he stated. When asked directly whether he still considers Trump a fascist, Mamdani was unequivocal: "That's something that I've said in the past, I say today."
The incoming mayor, who will become New York's first Muslim to hold the office, said the meeting was nonetheless constructive because both leaders addressed their disagreements openly and "are very clear about our positions and our views."
On the question of whether Trump guaranteed he would not deploy federal troops to New York, Mamdani declined to offer specifics, saying only that the president "cared deeply about public safety." The mayor-elect made clear he trusts the New York Police Department to maintain order under his administration, aligning himself with other mayors who have resisted Trump's suggestions that the National Guard is necessary to secure certain cities.
Mamdani framed public safety as "the cornerstone of an affordability agenda" and confirmed he will retain Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, crediting her with reducing crime across all five boroughs.
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The mayor-elect confirmed he intends to raise billions of dollars in new taxes targeting wealthy residents and businesses to fund universal childcare and other programs. Such measures would require approval from Governor Kathy Hochul.
Mamdani said he recently spoke with the governor and described their conversation as productive, with both Democrats committing to "working together for the affordability agenda." However, Hochul has not publicly endorsed tax increases. Mamdani signaled flexibility on the approach, saying he believes raising taxes "makes the most sense" but remains open to alternatives that generate equivalent revenue.
Addressing concerns among Jewish New Yorkers, Mamdani pledged to "protect them across the five boroughs" and "celebrate and cherish them" through efforts aimed at rooting out antisemitism. He announced plans to increase hate crime prevention funding by 800 percent and ensure continued police protection outside synagogues.
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