New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has made it clear he won’t back down to pressure from the Trump administration, setting the stage for what could become one of the most contentious city-White House relationships in recent history.
Speaking at his first press conference since winning the mayoral race, Mamdani, 34, said he would confront what he called the “twin crises” of “an authoritarian administration and an affordability crisis.”
The incoming mayor, who made history as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City, said his focus will remain on tackling economic inequality while maintaining independence from federal influence.
Mamdani has long identified as a democratic socialist and has pledged to give “a voice to workers, not corporations.”
He also plans to raise taxes on millionaires to fund expanded social programs, including free bus service and rent freezes for stabilized apartments.
Zohran Mamdani's campaign has been focused on affordability. Credit: Stephanie Keith/Getty Images.
Trump reacts to Mamdani’s fiery speech
President Donald Trump wasted no time responding to Mamdani’s election night remarks.
Shortly after the results were announced, Trump posted “AND SO IT BEGINS!” on his Truth Social account, signaling the start of what could become a fierce political rivalry.
In his victory speech, Mamdani directly addressed the president, saying: “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him.
"And if there is any way to terrify a despot, it is by dismantling the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power.”
He ended with a pointed message to Trump: “So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up.”
Trump warns Mamdani to show respect
The following day, Trump criticized Mamdani’s tone and said the new mayor should “be very nice” to him if he hopes to succeed, via Associated Press.
“He has to be a little bit respectful of Washington, because if he’s not, he doesn’t have a chance of succeeding,” Trump said.
“And I want to make him succeed. I want to make the city succeed. I don’t want to make him succeed. I want to make the city succeed.”
Trump also described Mamdani’s remarks as “very angry” and suggested that the mayor-elect’s fiery rhetoric could set the wrong tone for cooperation between New York City and the federal government.
Despite the criticism, Trump added: “I hope it works out for New York. We’ll help him a little bit, maybe.”
Credit: Leon Neal/Getty Images.
Building his administration amid political tension
During his press conference, Mamdani announced his transition team, which includes several notable figures from both local and national politics: Lina Khan, the former Federal Trade Commission chair; Elana Leopold, who served under former mayor Bill de Blasio; and Maria Torres-Springer, a former deputy mayor in the outgoing Eric Adams administration.
Mamdani also confirmed he will retain Jessica Tisch as New York City Police Department commissioner, addressing speculation about his public safety plans, according to BBC News.
He is set to take office on January 1, 2026, and said his focus will be on affordability, transit access, and ensuring that Washington “is not blamed for every problem we face here in New York City.”
A new political rivalry begins
The relationship between Mamdani and Trump appears destined to be a central storyline of both their political futures.
Mamdani has acknowledged that he will keep “a door open” for discussions with the administration on key issues like the cost of living, but also said he “will not mince words” when it comes to holding the federal government accountable.
“I think his threats are inevitable,” Mamdani told ABC News.
“But I’m looking forward to showing what’s possible here in New York City, not just diagnosing despair, but delivering solutions. That’s the difference between myself and President Trump.”
As the mayor-elect prepares to take office, it’s clear that the political dynamic between Washington and City Hall may define not just his administration, but the tone of national urban policy for years to come.