Trump criticizes Mamdani's tone, says off to 'bad start'
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President Trump says NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is "off to a bad start" and urges him to show respect toward Washington, warning that federal cooperation is key to his success.
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US President Donald Trump speaks during a breakfast with Senate and House Republicans in the State Dining Room of the White House on November 5, 2025. in Washington. (AP)
President Donald Trump said New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is "off to a bad start" following what he described as an “angry” victory speech after Mamdani’s historic election win on Tuesday.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump remarked, “I think he should be very nice to me. I'm the one that sort of has to approve alot of things coming to him,” adding that Mamdani was "off to a bad start."
Trump emphasized that cooperation with the federal government is essential for Mamdani’s success.
“He has to be a little bit respectful of Washington, because if he's not, he doesn't have a chance of succeeding."
The president added that he wants New York to thrive and suggested it’s up to Mamdani to initiate communication with the administration rather than waiting for Washington to reach out.
'We'll take care of it': Trump says after Mamdani wins NYC
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States had “lost a little bit of sovereignty” after the election victory of 34‑year‑old Democrat Zohran Mamdani as New York City mayor.
Speaking at the America Business Forum in Miami, Trump framed the comment in the context of US governance and national priorities.
“We've done a lot. On November 5, 2024, the American people reclaimed our government. We restored our sovereignty. We lost a little bit of sovereignty last night in New York, but we'll take care of it,” Trump said at the America Business Forum in Miami.
Mamdani, who identifies as a “democratic socialist,” advocates measures such as affordable grocery stores, rent freezes on certain housing, and fare‑free buses. The city’s election commission reported voter turnout surpassed 2 million, the highest since 1969. Despite his mayoral win, Mamdani remains ineligible to run for the US presidency because he was born in Uganda.
