New York: In the wake of Zohran Mamdani’s victory as mayor-elect of New York City, Donald Trump responded sharply, cautioning him to adopt a more cooperative tone. The former U.S. president described Mamdani’s victory address as “very angry … certainly angry towards me.” He added: “I think he should be very nice to me. You know, I’m the one that sort of has to approve a lot of things coming to him. So he’s off to a bad start.”
Mamdani, who will assume office in January, made headlines by targeting Trump directly in his speech: “So, Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up,” he declared, while also stating aims to make the city more affordable, end corruption and tax the rich.
This exchange comes after Trump repeatedly criticised Mamdani on his platform, backing Mamdani’s opponent and threatening to cut federal funds to New York City if Mamdani were to win.
Despite his objections, Trump added that “We’ll help him a little bit, maybe. We want New York to be successful. We’ll help them.” But his earlier comments suggest doubts about Mamdani’s readiness and alignment with his own agenda.
Mamdani secured approximately 50.4 % of the vote, and his election marks milestones: he will be New York City’s first Muslim mayor, its first South Asian mayor, and the youngest in over a century.
