New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Monday that all media representatives were welcome at a joint meeting with former President Donald Trump in New York, a statement that included outlets previously restricted from White House access during Trump's presidency.
These remarks were made during a press briefing held at Gracie Mansion. A reporter inquired whether Mayor Mamdani had addressed former President Trump directly regarding his decision to exclude specific news organizations, such as CNN, MSNBC, and Politico.
Mayor's Commitment to Press Access
Mayor Mamdani clarified his stance to the press, stating,
"I told the president that we're going to have all of the members of the press here on the lawn. And that is something that I believe in, as everyone, no matter the opinion or the critique that we engage in."
Former President Trump also commented on the media's presence, remarking on a perceived contradiction regarding some outlets.
"It's interesting because they said they were going to boycott me, but they never boycott me. So I wasn't very worried about that. Look at all that press."
He proceeded to explain his decision to engage with these news organizations at Gracie Mansion, despite his contention that they had failed to provide fair coverage of his accomplishments. These achievements, according to Trump, included electoral victories, the resolution of conflicts, and improvements in economic indicators.
"I'm only doing it because I think the press also has an obligation," he stated.
Trump highlighted what he described as unprecedented economic success during his term.
"We have the best economic numbers for the country in the history of our country. We have $21 trillion pouring in, the biggest number ever... Nobody's ever done what we've done."
Trump Addresses Media Engagement and Criticism
Former President Trump then reiterated his argument that permitting certain media outlets into the White House could pose a risk to national security, accusing them of disseminating what he termed "fake news."
"I never get anything positive. It's always negative, even having to do with the war. We've done so well," he commented, referencing the situation with Iran. "You would think that an outlet would write at least reasonably well, but never. If you look at CNN, it’s fake news."
He concluded by emphasizing his perceived duty to act in the nation's best interest regarding media access.
"They're very bad for the country, very bad for national security. So I have that obligation. So we'll see how it works out."