U.S. President Donald Trump has said that New York’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, must be respectful toward Washington if he wants to succeed. However, he also stated that his administration is ready to support the new mayor. Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera reported the news.
In an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier on Wednesday, Trump said, “He (Mamdani) has to show some respect to Washington; otherwise it will be difficult for him to succeed. I want him to succeed. I want the city to succeed.” He later clarified, “I want to see New York City succeed.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump said his administration would support the new mayor, though he again referred to Mamdani as a “communist.” Speaking at the American Business Forum in Miami, Trump said, “The communists, Marxists, and globalists had their chance, and they failed. Now let’s see how a communist does in New York. We will help—help a bit. We want New York to succeed.”
Before the mayoral election, Trump called Mamdani a “communist lunatic” and threatened to cut federal funding if Mamdani won.
Mamdani has been elected as New York’s first Muslim and first South Asian–descended mayor. After his victory, he announced that free childcare, public transportation, and market systems would be his top priorities. He rejected the “communist” label, identifying himself instead as a “democratic socialist.”
In his victory speech on Tuesday, Mamdani addressed Trump, saying, “I know you’re watching television, so turn the volume up a little.” He framed his win as a model of opposition to Trump.
In a speech on Wednesday while preparing to take office, Mamdani said he would continue to oppose President Trump’s policies, but would also keep the door open for dialogue with the administration. “I will speak clearly about President Trump. I will describe his actions as they are. But at the same time, I will keep the possibility of discussions open.”
Mamdani will formally assume office on January 1. Many analysts see his victory as a significant turning point in national politics in the context of conflict between the progressive and moderate wings of the Democratic Party.
