Trump slaps Mamdani on the arm over 'fascist' jibe, tells NYC Mayor to 'just say yes…' to reporter

In a widely watched Oval Office encounter, President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani addressed their history of political insults—culminating with Trump inviting Mamdani to “just say yes” when asked if he still considered Trump a fascist, turning a tense question into a lighthearted moment. The exchange came as a reporter pressed Mamdani on his campaign rhetoric, to which Trump smiled and broke in, “That’s okay, you can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining—I don’t mind!” The mayor-elect confirmed “yes,” and both leaders laughed, signaling an unexpectedly amicable tone for a meeting between fierce rivals.