Newly elected New York City Mayor Zahran Mamdani sharply criticized former President Donald Trump in his victory speech on Tuesday, after defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo (Democrat).
Mamdani — the youngest person ever elected as the city’s mayor — addressed Trump directly, saying:“Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up!”
Trump wasted no time in responding, posting a cryptic four-word message on his Truth Social platform:“…And so it begins!”
Mamdani’s Historic Win Marks a Turning Point for New York
Mamdani, 34, delivered his speech with a tone of defiance, describing New York as “the light in a moment of political darkness.” He emphasized that the same city that produced Trump “will now show the nation how his politics can be defeated.” He added, “It takes standing against all of us to bring down any one of us.”
Mamdani’s victory — as the first Muslim and first South Asian to become New York’s mayor — came amid the city’s highest voter turnout in over half a century, with more than two million ballots cast. With around 90% of votes counted, Mamdani led independent candidate Andrew Cuomo by 9%.
Trump Blasts Mamdani as Democrats Celebrate Historic Win
Political reactions followed swiftly. Trump labeled Mamdani a “communist” and threatened to cut federal funding for the city. His administration has already halted $18 billion in infrastructure projects in New York, citing the city’s refusal to adopt what it called “unconstitutional diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.”
Democrats, meanwhile, hailed Mamdani’s victory as a triumph for progressive policies, and proof that voters favor candidates who directly address economic hardships. In his speech, Mamdani declared:“New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants — and as of tonight, led by one.”
Mamdani is set to take the oath of office in January 2026, launching an ambitious agenda that includes rent freezes, free public buses, and free childcare for children as young as six weeks old — what he described as “an era of continuous improvement.”