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Washington: The first formal meeting between New York City's new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and US President Donald Trump took place on Friday. The conversation took place in a calm and formal atmosphere, but despite this, Mamdani reiterated on Sunday that his opinion about Trump has not changed. He clearly said that he still considers the president to be a leader with fascist and dictatorial tendencies.
Mamdani said that the meeting was related to his work and issues related to the city were discussed. But this does not mean that he has forgotten his election statements. He says that political differences and clear opinions are part of the democratic system.
The atmosphere during the first meeting at the White House was surprisingly comfortable. Trump welcomed Mamdani to reporters and said he would support his plans for New York. Mamdani also described the talks as "positive and issue-focused."
Issues like the city's rising cost of living and funding and support to local administration were discussed in the conversation. Mamdani told Trump that this is the biggest concern of the citizens of New York, especially those in areas like the Bronx and Queens who supported Trump in the election.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Mamdani clearly said, "What I said in the election is still true. Working with the President does not mean that I change my opinion. My job is to stand up for the people of New York, not to keep the Oval Office happy."
He said that despite political differences, both the leaders will work together on those issues where there is a need to provide relief to the public.
During the meeting, Trump's previous warnings to deploy the National Guard in New York were also discussed. Mamdani said that he made it clear to the president that the New York Police is capable of handling any situation. Trump later said that troops would be sent only when the situation demanded it.
This meeting took place at a time when there was a lot of tension between the two during the election campaign. Trump has repeatedly called Mamdani a "communist freak" and even threatened to withhold funding if he wins. Trump had also openly supported Mamdani's rival Andrew Cuomo, but Mamdani ultimately won the contest.
The meeting was positive, but the newly elected mayor has made it clear that cooperation and criticism can go together. In his words, "There is no point in remaining silent where there are differences of opinion. My goal is to put the needs of New Yorkers first, no matter what political apprehension it takes."