President Donald Trump talks after meeting with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Washington.

Although President Donald Trumphyped up his meeting on Friday with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, nothing prepared social media for the exchange between the two of them.

And while everyone knew there was a good chance of at least one viral moment, no one expected it would come when Trump told Mamdani it was “OK” for the democratic socialist to call him a fascist.

When a New York Post reporter asked Mamdani if he stands by his previous statements that the president is a “despot” who has “betrayed the country” and promotes a “fascist agenda,” Mamdani did not disavow the comments. Instead, he spoke positively about Friday’s meeting and saidhe was focused on the “shared purpose” of serving New Yorkers.

Trump, meanwhile, seemed amused by the question and joked, “I’ve been called much worse than a despot. So it’s not that insulting.”

Then, after another reporter asked Mamdani if he still considered Trump a fascist, the typically thin-skinned president stopped Mamdani as he attempted a diplomatic response and said it was OK with him if he did.

“That’s OK, you can just say yes,” Trump said, to which Mamdani smiled and said, “OK.”

“It’s easier than explaining it. I don’t mind,” the president assured Mamdani before patting his arm.

You may have to see it below to believe it.

Asked to clarify if he thinks Trump is a fascist, before Mamdani can answer, Trump intervenes and laughs it........

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