The New York City mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, met on Friday with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, after several weeks of tensions between the two.
After the meeting, Mamdani repeated his claims that the government of Israel is carrying out "genocide in Gaza," and said that the U.S. government is funding those actions.
"“I shared with the president in our meeting about the concern that many New Yorkers have about wanting their tax dollars to go toward the benefit of New Yorkers and their ability to afford basic dignity. There’s a desperate need not only for the following of human rights but also the following through on the promises we’ve made New Yorkers. We've spoken about the Israeli government committing genocide and I’ve spoken about our government funding it."
President Trump did not respond to those remarks during the meeting with reporters. When Mamdani was asked about the president's efforts to advance agreements in the Middle East, he replied "I appreciate all efforts toward peace. We’re tired of seeing our tax dollars fund endless wars, and I also believe that we have to follow through on the international human rights, and I know that still today those are being violated, and that continues to be work that has to be done, no matter where we’re speaking of.”
Later, Trump was asked about Mamdani's threat to detain Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he comes to New York, and he briefly answered, "We did not discuss that."
In addition, Mamdani's spokeswoman Dora Pekec, referenced his recent objections to the Nefesh B'Nefesh event held ina New York synagogue: "The Mayor-elect has discouraged the language used at last night’s protest and will continue to do so. He believes every New Yorker should be free to enter a house of worship without intimidation, and that these sacred spaces should not be used to promote activities in violation of international law."
Trump made light of reporters asking Mamdani if Trump was a fascist, telling Mamdani "Just say yes, it's easier."
