Mamdani open to talks with Trump, pledges to put New Yorkers first

NEW YORK CITY, United States (MNTV) – New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani said he remains open to speaking with US President Donald Trump about ways to cooperate for the city’s benefit but made clear he would reject any proposal that harms residents.

“I’m open to a conversation about delivering on the priorities that New Yorkers have raised, including tackling the cost of living,” Mamdani said, adding that he has yet to receive congratulations from the White House. “Any engagement that comes at the expense of New Yorkers, I will fight tooth and nail—my job is to serve this city.”

The mayor-elect said the real source of Republican opposition to his platform lies in its potential to succeed. “What scares Republicans across the country is that we will actually deliver on this agenda, and the contrast is something they cannot bear to witness,” he said.

Mamdani also emphasized his commitment to combating anti-Semitism, pledging that his administration “will stand steadfast with Jewish New Yorkers in fighting the scourge of anti-Semitism across the city.” He said he aims to work closely with communities “to protect, celebrate, and cherish Jewish life across New York.”

Reaffirming his belief in the rule of law, Mamdani told reporters that “all people will be held to the same standard of the law,” pledging to usher in “an era of consistency, clarity, and conviction” in city governance.

On the transition process, Mamdani said he looks forward to collaborating with outgoing Mayor Eric Adams for a smooth handover.

He named Ilana Leopold as transition director and announced an all-female team of co-chairs: former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, former First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, United Way CEO Grace Bonilla, and former Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Melanie Hartzog.