Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has warned U.S. President Donald Trump that he will “be there to fight him” if he “comes after” New York.
Asked what his message to Trump would be in an interview, Mamdani said: “My message would be that if you ever want to get on the phone to talk about how we can actually deliver on the promise that you made to the American people of lowering the cost of living, I’m always ready.
“But if you want to speak about how you can make life more difficult for New Yorkers, by coming after so many in this city and the fabric of the city itself, then I’ll be there to fight you.”
Newsweek has contacted the White House, via email, for comment.
Why It Matters
The New York City mayoral race has garnered national attention as Mamdani, a democratic socialist directly addresses Trump and positions himself as a stark contrast to both the current political establishment and his rivals.
With the withdrawal of incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and endorsements from prominent progressive leaders, Mamdani’s candidacy signals shifting political dynamics in America’s largest city.
Trump’s direct engagement and threats of limiting federal funding underscore the national stakes and foreshadow major confrontations over urban policy, federal-state relations and the Democratic Party’s direction.
What To Know
Mamdani delivered his warning in an interview with The Good Liars, a political satirical duo made up of Jason Selvig and Davram Stiefler.
“A lot of people keep saying you’re a communist,” Selvig said. “Can we put this to bed right now? Are you a communist?”
“Not a communist,” Mamdani answered, “I’m a democratic socialist, but I anticipate that the president will continue to call me whatever comes to his mind.”
The Good Liars clip then cuts to a snippet of Trump saying: “I call him my little communist.”
“If you become mayor, you’re gonna have to deal with Donald Trump,” Selvig said. “What’s your message to Donald Trump right now?”
That is when Mamdani said he would be open to cooperating with Trump about lowering the cost of living, but warned of a fight if Trump wants to “make life more difficult for New Yorkers.”
Mamdani currently leads the New York City mayoral race after winning the Democratic nomination over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, now an independent candidate, as outgoing Adams exited the race in September.
At 33-years-old, Mamdani has risen quickly from state assemblymember to the forefront of city politics, enjoying backing from figures including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Democratic New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often known as AOC.
The race remains closely watched, with Republican Curtis Sliwa also on the ballot. Trump has repeatedly asserted that Mamdani’s campaign constitutes a radical threat to the city and has threatened to withhold federal funding should he win. “He is going to have problems with Washington like no Mayor in the history of our once great City…He won’t be getting any of [the money], so what’s the point of voting for him?” Trump wrote on Truth Social
What People Are Saying
Earlier this month, during an interview with Fox News’ Martha MacCallum, Zohran Mamdani addressed Trump directly, saying: “I just want to speak directly to the president. I will not be a mayor like Mayor Adams, who will call you to stay out of jail. I won’t be a disgraced governor like Andrew Cuomo, who will call you to ask how to win this election. I can do those things on my own. I will, however, be a mayor who is ready to speak at any time to lower the cost of living. That’s the way I’m going to lead this city. That’s the partnership I want to build.”
GOP strategist Adolfo Franco previously told Newsweek that Republicans want Mamdani to win. “The Republican Party will accurately portray Mamdani as the new face of the Democratic Party and emblematic of the extreme, leftist and socialist direction of the Democrats,” he said. “By comparison, Bernie Sanders and AOC appear moderate to most Americans. His election will alarm the majority of centrists in the country and alienate those voters.”
What Happens Next
Mamdani, Cuomo and Sliwa are scheduled to debate in the lead-up to the November 4 election. The outcome of the race could significantly influence not only the future of New York City governance, but also set a tone for national debates over progressive policy and federal-local relations.
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