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New York's Mamdani vows to resist Trump pressure after mayoral victory
Zohran Mamdani, New York City's mayor-elect, pledged on Wednesday to confront challenges from the Trump administration in his first press conference since winning Tuesday's election, framing his agenda as a response to what he called the "twin crises" of federal overreach and soaring living costs.
Trump's warnings and Mamdani's defiance
President Trump, who has repeatedly labeled Mamdani a "communist"-a claim the 34-year-old rejects-suggested during the campaign that federal funding for New York could be at risk under the incoming mayor. On Election Night, Trump signaled a combative stance, posting "AND SO IT BEGINS!" on Truth Social moments after Mamdani's victory.
In a Wednesday interview with Fox News, Trump criticized Mamdani's victory speech as "very angry" and warned that disrespect toward Washington would undermine the mayor's success. "He has to be a little bit respectful of Washington, because if he's not, he doesn't have a chance," Trump said, adding, "I want to make the city succeed."
"I hope it works out for New York. We'll help him a little bit, maybe."
President Donald Trump, Fox News interview
Mamdani's response: 'Door open' but unyielding
Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, fired back during his election night address, urging Trump to "turn the volume up" on his television to hear the crowd's enthusiasm. On Wednesday, he reiterated his refusal to "mince words" about the president but left room for dialogue. "I will always leave a door open," he said, emphasizing his focus on lowering living costs and expanding social programs, including plans to tax millionaires.
Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have already signaled intentions to tie Democrats to Mamdani's policies ahead of next year's midterms, framing him as "extreme."
Transition team and early priorities
Mamdani unveiled key members of his transition team, tasked with shaping his administration before his 1 January 2026 inauguration:
- Lina Khan, former Federal Trade Commission chair;
- Elana Leopold, a veteran of former Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration;
- Maria Torres-Springer, ex-deputy mayor under outgoing Mayor Eric Adams.
He also confirmed that Jessica Tisch would remain as New York Police Department commissioner, addressing concerns about his public safety platform. "It will be my job to stand up for the city," Mamdani said, "and not scapegoat Washington for New York's challenges."
Immigration and federal tensions ahead
Mamdani's tenure will begin amid Trump's ongoing immigration enforcement operations in New York. In an ABC News interview, he dismissed the president's threats as "inevitable" and framed his mayoralty as a counterpoint to Trump's policies. "I'm looking forward to showing the power of an example here-delivering for working people," he said.
Key promises
Central to Mamdani's agenda are campaign pledges to:
- Introduce fare-free bus services;
- Freeze rents for stabilized apartments;
- Expand social programs funded by taxes on high earners.
