NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old democratic socialist who made history as New York City’s youngest and first Muslim mayor, said Wednesday that he will not be “intimidated” by President Donald Trump’s threats to deploy the National Guard to the city. Mamdani spoke on Good Morning America, emphasizing that Trump’s remarks were rooted in “intimidation, not safety.”
“His threats are inevitable,” Mamdani said. “This has nothing to do with safety; it has to do with intimidation.”
He argued that if safety were truly the concern, Trump would be targeting the “top 10 states of crime,” eight of which are Republican-led. “Because of that party, he won’t actually be doing it,” Mamdani added. Mamdani’s comments came just one day after his election victory, which drew a record turnout of more than 2 million voters — the city’s highest participation in a mayoral race since 1969. His win marks a significant shift in New York politics, bringing a younger, progressive voice to City Hall.
Mamdani said his victory represents a “mandate” for affordability and fairness. He pledged to advance what he called the “most ambitious affordability agenda for New Yorkers in decades.”
At the center of his plan is a proposal to raise taxes on the city’s wealthiest residents and corporations. Mamdani wants to increase corporate tax rates from about 7.25% to 11.5%, which he says could generate about $9 billion in revenue. Those funds, he said, would pay for his economic agenda and help “Trump-proof our city.”
Among his key campaign promises are city-funded universal child care, free bus service, city-run grocery stores, and a new Department of Community Safety. The new department would deploy mental health workers instead of police officers to respond to certain emergency calls.
Mamdani also unveiled his all-women transition team, a group of experienced city and federal officials who will help guide his move to City Hall. The team includes Elana Leopold, a political strategist from the de Blasio administration, who will serve as executive director.
Other members include United Way of New York City President Grace Bonilla, former Deputy Mayor and budget expert Melanie Hartzog, former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, and former First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer.
“My team and I will build a City Hall capable of delivering on the promises of this campaign,” Mamdani said during a press conference. He described his upcoming administration as “both compassionate and capable.”
Mamdani’s progressive proposals are expected to face resistance in Albany, particularly from Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has opposed his calls for higher taxes on wealthy New Yorkers. Despite that, Mamdani said he appreciated Hochul’s support during the campaign, calling it “an endorsement of an agenda of affordability.”
His relationship with law enforcement will also draw attention. Mamdani was a vocal critic of the New York Police Department in 2020, calling it “a rogue agency” that was “racist” and “anti-queer.” He has since apologized and now says he plans to ask the current police commissioner to remain in the role.
Mamdani said he has not yet received a congratulatory call from the White House but remains open to discussions with federal officials about affordability and housing. Still, he stressed that his focus would remain local.
“It will be my job to stand up for the city and ensure that we do not look at Washington, D.C., as the reason for all of the problems right here in New York City,” Mamdani said. “Many of these issues predate President Trump.”
He also said he had not spoken with former Gov. Andrew Cuomo or outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, but did talk with his Republican opponent, Curtis Sliwa, after the election. Reflecting on the election, Mamdani condemned what he described as “bigotry and racism” in the campaign’s final weeks. He said attack ads funded by outside groups leaned on Islamophobic stereotypes.
“I was quite disappointed by the bigotry and the racism we saw in the final weeks,” he said.
A spokesperson for Cuomo declined to escalate tensions, saying only that speeches “will be the measuring stick for grace.”
As for how Mamdani celebrated his victory, the new mayor-elect laughed. “The first thing I did was drink some water,” he said. “It took a moment for it to settle in — the opportunity we have to deliver for the people of this city.”
