From the Liveblog of
Friday, November 21, 2025
Mamdani accuses US of funding genocide by Israel during warm meeting with Trump
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US President Donald Trump says that he and visiting New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani did not discuss during their White House meeting the latter’s pledge to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he came to the Big Apple.
Standing next to Trump in the Oval Office after their private meeting, Mamdani tells reporters that when he spoke to New Yorkers who supported both Trump and him, the two main reasons given were a desire to “end forever wars” and an “end to the taxpayer dollars we had funding violations of human rights” along with the rising cost of living in the city.
Trump says he has no problem with sharing voters with Mamdani.
Asked about the Middle East, Trump reiterates that the US is pushing for the “total disarmament of Hamas.”
He also says Hezbollah remains a “problem,” but that the US is working with Lebanon to address it.
A reporter claims Mamdani has accused the US of committing a genocide in Gaza. The mayor-elect clarifies that he has “spoken about the Israeli government committing genocide and I’ve spoken about our government funding it.”
“I shared with the president in our meeting about the concern that many New Yorkers have of wanting their tax dollars to go toward the benefit of New Yorkers and their ability to afford basic dignity,” Mamdani says in response to a question. “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.”
“I appreciate all efforts toward peace,” he adds. 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.”
Trump does not comment on the matter, beyond noting that he and Mamdani feel “very strongly about peace in the Middle East.”
The pair says that their meeting was very cordial, despite their past animosity.
Q: Are you affirming that you think President Trump is a fascist?
MAMDANI: I've spoken about–
TRUMP: That's okay. You can just say yes. I don't mind. pic.twitter.com/uWZFRcmGxB
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 21, 2025
Trump is asked about New York Rep. Elise Stefanik’s accusation that Mamdani is a jihadist, and whether Trump agrees with that characterization.
“No, I don’t, but she’s out there campaigning and you say things sometimes during a campaign,” Trump responds. “I met with a man who’s a very rational person.”
As the meeting wraps up, Mamdani is asked about a caustic protest outside a New York City synagogue this week.
“I care very deeply about Jewish safety and I look very forward to rooting out antisemitism across the five boroughs and every New Yorker who calls the city home,” he says.
The meeting appears to be very friendly, with each of them complimenting the other for the campaigning that they have done. They both say they’ll work together on improving affordability in New York City.
“I met with a man who is a very rational person,” Trump says of Mamdani. “I’ll be cheering for him.”
“We’ve just had a great meeting, a really good, very productive meeting. One thing in common, we want this city of ours that we love to do very well. And I wanted to congratulate the mayor,” Trump tells reporters.
The Times of Israel Community.