Mayor Mamdani Responds to Trump’s Media Ban
During a press conference at Gracie Mansion on Monday, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that all media members are welcome to a joint meeting with President Donald Trump, despite Trump’s recent ban on specific media outlets from the White House.
Mamdani’s comments followed a reporter’s question regarding whether he had confronted Trump about the exclusion of CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. “I told the president that we’re going to have all of the members of the press here on the lawn,” he remarked, adding that he believes in the importance of engaging, regardless of differing opinions or critiques.
Trump defended his media decisions during the same event, emphasizing his stance on the suspension of presidential pool coverage from various networks, including FOX News Media, ABC, CBS, CNN, and NBC.
“It’s interesting because they said they were going to boycott me, but they never boycotted me,” Trump stated, expressing that he wasn’t overly concerned with the media’s reactions. He went on to share his reasoning for partnering with media at Gracie Mansion, noting their failure to report positively on his achievements, such as electoral success, conflict resolutions, and favorable economic indicators.
He claimed, “I’m only doing it because I think the press also has an obligation.” Trump elaborated on the impressive economic numbers during his presidency, stating, “We have $21 trillion pouring in, the biggest number ever… Nobody’s ever done what we’ve done.”
Confident in his position, Trump also mentioned that allowing certain media outlets into the White House could pose risks to national security, accusing them of disseminating “fake news.” He expressed frustration at what he perceives as their consistently negative coverage, particularly concerning international matters.
“You would think that an outlet would write at least reasonably well, but never. If you look at CNN, it’s fake news,” he asserted.
In closing, Trump reiterated his belief that some media are detrimental to the nation and to national security, leaving the future of these engagements somewhat uncertain.
