On NBC News' Meet the Press on 22/11, New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani stated he still believes President Donald Trump is "authoritarian."

"I have said that before and still maintain that view. What I appreciated in the conversation with the President was our willingness to address disagreements and the political issues that led to the current situation. We also aimed to focus on implementing measures based on a shared assessment of the cost-of-living crisis facing New Yorkers," Mamdani stated.

Mamdani also referred to other past negative comments he made about President Trump.

"I still believe everything I have said. I went to the Oval Office not to state my views or positions, but to deliver results for New Yorkers," the mayor-elect of the U.S.'s most populous city said.

Despite this, he described the meeting with the President as "very productive," centering on urgent New York issues such as housing costs, childcare, daily living expenses, and utilities.

U.S. President Donald Trump (right) meets New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House on 21/11. *Photo: AFP*.

Mamdani stated he discussed with the President Trump's threat to deploy the National Guard to New York City, but he did not confirm whether Trump ruled out that possibility.

"I informed the President that what distinguishes New York City from anywhere else in the country is the New York Police Department. I trust them to ensure public safety. This is what they can do, have done, and will continue to do under my leadership," he stated.

When questioned at the White House on 22/11 about deploying the National Guard to New York City, President Trump responded he would do so "if they need it."

Mamdani, 34, secured the mayoral seat by pledging to address New York's cost-of-living issues. Statistics show New Yorkers pay nearly double the national average for rent.

Before the mayoral election, Mamdani and President Trump had a public feud. Trump frequently criticized Mamdani and repeatedly threatened to cut federal funding for New York City if Mamdani won. Trump also urged New York voters to support other candidates, describing Mamdani as "inexperienced, a complete failure."

During the White House meeting on 21/11, President Trump expressed pleasure that both sides had set aside partisan differences. "The better he does, the happier I am," Trump remarked, also describing New York's mayor-elect as "very rational." He added, "We will help him realize everyone's dream of a strong and safe New York."

By Huyen Le (AFP, NBC News)