Zohran Mamdani said he plans to personally call President Donald Trump before taking office, stressing the need for timely communication to protect New York’s interests.
“I will be proactive,” Mamdani told NBC New York on Tuesday. “I will be reaching out to the White House as we prepare to actually take office because this is a relationship that will be critical to the city’s success.”
The Democrat said he intends to deter the federal government from “flooding the city with ICE agents and/or National Guard troops.”
“Cooperate with Adversaries”
Mamdani said he sees cooperation — even with political opponents — as part of his duty to protect New Yorkers.
“As the incoming mayor of New York City, I believe it is my responsibility to work with adversaries and not wait until it is too late to avoid consequences for our people,” he said.
What will he say to Trump?
Mamdani presented his message to the president: “I will say that I am here to work for the benefit of all who call the city home, and that where there is an opportunity to work together for that purpose, I am ready,” he said. “And if it’s at the expense of those New Yorkers, I’m going to fight it.
Consultation with Governor Hochul
Mamdani also revealed that he is in contact with Gov. Kathy Hochula to discuss how to respond to Trump’s regular threats and public attacks.
He said he and the governor “discussed how to respond to threats from the Trump administration” and stressed the importance of “working to prevent this kind of pressure.”
Trump’s mixed signals
Trump has made mixed remarks about how he would deal with the Mamdani administration — alternating between conciliatory comments and warnings of punitive action.
Ahead of the Nov. 4 election, Trump threatened to withhold federal funds and even a federal takeover if Mamdani — whom he called a “communist” — won the race.
But after Mamdani’s victory, the president, who endorsed Andrew Cuomo, appeared to soften his stance, telling reporters last week: “I hope it works out for New York … maybe we can help him a little bit.”
(Tattentranslate)Zohran Mamdani(T)President Donald Trump
