New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, delivered his first public warning to President Donald Trump on Wednesday, vowing to “utilize the courts” if the President follows through on his plan to withhold federal funding from the city, as reported by The New York Post.
Speaking on Good Morning America the morning after his victory, Mamdani said he would not be intimidated by the President’s stance and pledged to resist through legal channels.
“The first thing is, you actually utilize the courts. You stop treating things as being law just by virtue of the fact that President Trump is saying them,” Mamdani said when asked how he intended to respond to federal threats.
He cited California’s past legal challenges to federal authority as an example of how he plans to operate.
“You can look at the example of California, where you find the Attorney General, the governor and the mayor of LA coming together, filing a lawsuit in opposition to the deployment of the National Guard,” he added.
Mamdani, who ran as an open democratic socialist, used his post-election interviews to double down on his rhetoric.
“I have said time and again that I will work with the president if he wants to work together to deliver on his campaign promises of cheaper groceries or a lower cost of living,” he told NY1.
“But for too long, what New Yorkers have seen is a mayor who has been willing to work with the president at the expense of those New Yorkers. I want to make it very clear that if the president looks to come after the people of this city, I will be there standing up for them every step of the way.”
During his campaign, President Trump frequently criticized Mamdani, labeling him a “communist” and warning that his election could lead to federal funding cuts for New York City.
Trump had stated publicly that he would not allow federal taxpayer dollars to subsidize cities led by radical politicians.
At his victory celebration, Mamdani took direct aim at the President, saying, “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up.”
Mamdani: So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up. pic.twitter.com/HE2Pr7EFgh
— Acyn (@Acyn) November 5, 2025
He continued, “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him.”
NEW: NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani challenges President Trump in his victory speech:
“New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants. And as of tonight, led by an immigrant.”
“So hear me, President Trump, when I say this: To get… pic.twitter.com/L0tOS5Ddnr
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 5, 2025
President Trump responded within hours on Truth Social, posting, “…AND SO IT BEGINS!”
This is what Trump posted after Mamdani won:
“…AND SO IT BEGINS!”
I have a feeling Mamdani is about to experience hell on earth.
Lawsuits, investigations and possible indictments.
Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/rcSsmhG4l3
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) November 5, 2025
Mamdani will assume office as New York City’s first self-identified socialist mayor since the early 20th century. His public confrontation with the White House signals that clashes between City Hall and Washington could define the early months of his administration.
If you raise taxes in NYC, people will just leave. That goes for businesses as well. Does he really think that national corporation based in NYC will stick around when he starts raising taxes? Then, all you have let if a large group or unemployed people.
Last Time I checked Commie, the folks in LA lost, and the NG was deployed.
Time to take out the communist in America as they took out Charlie Kirk.
No no no you would just turn him into a martyr , and besides it is wrong and against the law