Seth Meyers Mocks Trump’s ‘Flirty’ Exchange with Mayor-Elect Mamdani

Seth Meyers has taken aim at former President Donald Trump following what he characterized as a “flirty” exchange between Trump and New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani. The incident occurred during a meeting at the White House, where Trump reportedly told Mamdani, “That’s okay, you can say it. It’s easier than explaining, I don’t mind,” when asked if the president could be labeled a “fascist.” This light-hearted moment included Trump tapping Mamdani on the arm, prompting a chuckle before the media shifted to another question.

The interaction stands out given the history of negative comments between the two. Mamdani has previously referred to Trump as a “despot” and a “fascist,” while Trump has labeled the young politician a “100% communist lunatic.” Despite their contentious backgrounds, the meeting was relatively cordial. Trump even expressed optimism, stating he hoped Mamdani would be a “really great mayor” and showing confidence in the 34-year-old’s ability to “do a very good job.”

Meyers, on his show on November 24, 2023, did not hold back in his critique of Trump’s demeanor during the meeting. He quipped, “That is the flirtiest I’ve ever heard anyone say, ‘You can call me a fascist. You can call me a fascist, you can call me… I’ll be whatever you want me to be!'” He added, “I’ve never seen Trump this smitten before,” highlighting the contrast between Mamdani’s charisma and Trump’s usual company, which he described as “charmless goons.”

Despite the jovial atmosphere, Mamdani reaffirmed his previous criticisms of Trump in an interview with NBC. He stated, “After President Trump said that, I said, ‘Yes.’ Everything that I’ve said in the past, I continue to believe. I’m not coming into the Oval Office to make a point or make a stand. I’m coming in there to deliver for New Yorkers.”

As Meyers reflected on Trump’s apparent delight in meeting Mamdani, he suggested that some might find themselves giddy in such a situation, particularly if they were accustomed to being around “joyless gargoyles” like Stephen Miller and JD Vance. He posited that meeting someone with Mamdani’s charm could be refreshing for Trump.

Reactions from the audience following Meyers’ segment varied. Some viewers expressed amusement, noting Trump’s fawning over Mamdani as a sign of his isolation among less charismatic figures. One user on the platform X commented, “I think Meyers is right: Trump has surrounded himself with such goons, nuts, and sycophants that he was smitten by someone who wasn’t.”

Conversely, there were criticisms of Meyers’ approach. One viewer remarked, “Seth Meyers wants laughs, but Mamdani’s White House visit isn’t comedy—it’s collusion… Meyers is too busy snickering to notice the city burning.” This exchange highlights the polarized reactions to both Trump’s leadership and the dynamics of political discourse in the current climate.

The incident serves as a reminder of the complex relationships that often exist within political arenas, where personal interactions can sometimes obscure deeper ideological divides.