• Fox correspondent blasts Trump for friendly Oval Office exchange with Mamdani
• Trump brushes off “fascist” remark during press availability
• Conservative commentators question president’s outreach strategy

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TDR) President Donald Trump’s surprisingly warm Oval Office meeting with New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on Friday has stirred sharp criticism from conservative circles, including a pointed on-air rebuke from Fox Business correspondent Charlie Gasparino. The veteran financial journalist ripped into Trump after the president brushed off Mamdani’s previous characterization of him as a “fascist” and repeatedly praised the incoming Democratic mayor.

Trump shrugs off “fascist” jab

During the Oval Office media availability, a Fox News reporter asked Mamdani whether he still believed Trump was a fascist — a remark he made during the New York mayoral race. Before the mayor-elect could respond, Trump jumped in with an unusually lighthearted tone, telling him, “That’s ok, you can just say yes.” Mamdani replied, “Ok, alright,” prompting the president to chuckle and slap him on the arm.

Analysts said the moment signaled a clear shift in Trump’s posture toward high-profile Democratic leaders, even those he had previously lambasted. The exchange drew immediate attention across political media, with some commentators labeling it an unexpected display of inter-party warmth as Trump navigates a tense governing environment.

I really think the wheels are coming off the Trump presidency wow https://t.co/5NsZYvJAnP

— Charles Gasparino (@CGasparino) November 21, 2025

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Gasparino blasts the president

Gasparino, known for his blunt commentary, accused Trump of projecting political weakness by offering praise for a mayor-elect he previously called a “communist.” The Fox correspondent argued that the friendly tone undercut Trump’s long-standing brand and injected confusion into a conservative base that views Mamdani as deeply opposed to the president’s agenda.

On Fox Business, Gasparino said the meeting appeared “baffling” and reflected what he called an incoherent political strategy at a time when Republicans are bracing for contentious battles over urban crime, immigration and federal funding. He insisted the president’s gestures sent mixed signals about his intent to push back against aggressive progressive leaders in Democratic-run cities.

Conservatives question political logic

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Gasparino was not alone. Several conservative commentators echoed his criticism online, arguing that Trump’s praise of Mamdani — including the president’s remark that the incoming mayor could “surprise” conservatives and become “a really great mayor” — suggested a political softening that seemed out of step with his combative style.

Grassroots influencers also questioned whether the administration was attempting to pivot toward a new urban outreach strategy, emphasizing that Mamdani’s progressive positions on policing and housing clash directly with the White House’s current policy priorities. Some warned that such overtures risk alienating Trump’s most loyal supporters, who view the New York mayor-elect as a symbol of hard-left governance.

Mamdani’s rise and Trump’s calculations

Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic socialist, ran a campaign centered on housing affordability, transit reform and what he called racial-equity governance. Analysts say his landslide victory in New York signals a generational shift that Trump may be calculating he cannot afford to ignore. One GOP strategist noted that Trump’s softened tone reflected a desire to establish early leverage over the incoming mayor during a time when federal-city negotiations over funding and infrastructure remain sensitive.

Privately, aides say the president has grown increasingly attentive to big-city political trends as Republicans prepare for the 2026 midterms. Observers believe the meeting showcased Trump’s interest in building working relationships with select Democratic leaders when it aligns with White House priorities.

Still, critics argue the optics of praising Mamdani immediately after a hostile campaign season created avoidable backlash from conservatives who expect aggressive posture toward progressive mayors.

Gasparino’s challenge to Trump

Gasparino concluded his critique by arguing that Trump risks diluting his political identity if he continues offering goodwill toward figures who openly oppose him. He suggested the president should focus on consolidating conservative support rather than “elevating adversaries for photo ops.”

As debate continues, insiders say the president’s approach toward Mamdani is part of a broader recalibration intended to navigate federal-city tensions — though whether that strategy pays dividends or fractures his coalition remains unclear.

Does Trump’s outreach signal strategic adaptation — or a move that risks confusing his most loyal supporters?

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