MIAMI: U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is willing to cooperate with New York’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani but warned that the newly elected leader must remain “respectful” toward Washington if he hopes to succeed.
Speaking on Fox News, Trump reacted to Mamdani’s post-election remarks, in which the mayor-elect pledged to stand up to him. The president called those comments a “dangerous statement” and added, “He has to be a little bit respectful of Washington, because if he’s not, he doesn’t have a chance of succeeding. I want him to succeed — I want the city to succeed.” Trump later clarified that his wish for success was directed at New York City itself rather than Mamdani personally.
Earlier in the day, Trump addressed the American Business Forum in Miami, where he referred to Mamdani as a “communist” but nonetheless suggested his administration would “help him a little bit.” “We want New York to be successful,” Trump said. “We’ll help him — maybe just a bit.”
The remarks came a day after Mamdani, a democratic socialist, made history by becoming the first Muslim and first South Asian to be elected mayor of the United States’ largest city. Trump had harshly criticized Mamdani during the campaign, calling him a “communist lunatic” and threatening to withhold federal funds if he won.
Mamdani, whose agenda includes universal childcare, free public buses, and government-run grocery stores, has dismissed the communist label, calling himself a democratic socialist. His victory is being seen as a major milestone for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which continues to navigate tensions with its centrist faction.
In his victory speech, Mamdani positioned his win as a blueprint for defeating Trump, telling the president to “turn the volume up.” During his transition announcement on Wednesday, he reaffirmed his intent to challenge Trump’s policies but also signaled openness to dialogue.
“I will not mince my words when it comes to President Trump,” Mamdani said. “I’ll describe his actions as they are, while always leaving the door open for conversation.”
Mamdani is set to assume office on January 1, taking charge of a city of more than 8.5 million residents amid heightened national attention.
