NEW YORK (Web-Desk) – Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani pledged on Wednesday to resist pressure from the Trump administration, saying his government would tackle what he called the “twin crises” of “an authoritarian administration and an affordability crisis.”
The 34-year-old, who became the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City, unveiled his transition team and reaffirmed his campaign priorities — including free buses, rent-stabilised housing, and higher taxes on millionaires to expand social programmes.
Mamdani’s victory has already drawn fire from President Donald Trump, who has branded him a “communist” and suggested federal funding could be withheld from the city. On election night, Trump posted “AND SO IT BEGINS!” on his Truth Social account shortly after Mamdani’s win.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump criticised the mayor-elect’s “angry” victory speech, warning that Mamdani should “be nice” to him. “He has to be a little bit respectful of Washington,” Trump said. “If he’s not, he doesn’t have a chance of succeeding.”
Mamdani responded that he would not “mince words” when it comes to Trump but would “keep the door open” for dialogue on issues such as reducing the cost of living. “It will be my job to stand up for the city,” he said.
The mayor-elect named Lina Khan, former FTC chair, Elana Leopold, and Maria Torres-Springer to his transition team. He also confirmed Jessica Tisch will remain as police commissioner.
As Mamdani prepares to take office on January 1, 2026, his relationship with Trump — and the federal government — is expected to shape the early months of his administration. “His threats are inevitable,” Mamdani told ABC News, “but I’m looking forward to showing what real solutions look like for working people.”
