Jesse Watters questioned whether President Donald Trump was admiring New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani “in a sexual way” during a September 22, 2026 episode of Fox News’ The Five . The remark followed a discussion about Trump’s unusually warm exchange with Mamdani at a September 21 press conference. Co host Jessica Tarlov argued that Alexandria Ocasio Cortez could remain a formidable political force, despite concerns about Democratic Socialists of America ties. Tarlov pointed to Trump’s praise for Mamdani as evidence that the movement may not be as politically radioactive as conservative commentators suggest. Was This a Political Read or Just a Very Weird Joke? Tarlov described Trump and Mamdani’s meeting as a “lovefest,” citing Trump’s compliments about Mamdani’s potential as mayor and an invitation to continue talks in Washington, D.C. Trump also discussed helping New York pursue funding for the Sunnyside Yard project, while the pair addressed affordable housing, infrastructure, public safety and immigration. When Tarlov said Trump appeared genuinely charmed by Mamdani, Watters escalated the bit by asking whether the president was looking at the mayor sexually and joking that first lady Melania Trump might need a warning. Tarlov’s larger point was that Trump’s own words suggested he saw Mamdani as someone who could deliver for New Yorkers, turning a policy conversation into peak cable news theater.