New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani said Tuesday that he plans to reach out to President Donald Trump before officially taking office on New Year’s Day, calling cooperation with the White House “critical to the success of the city,” as reported by The New York Post.

In an interview with NBC New York, Mamdani, 34, said he intends to maintain open communication with the Trump administration while also preparing to challenge the President’s firm positions on immigration and crime.

“This is a relationship that will be critical,” Mamdani said. “If President Trump wants to speak about lowering the cost of living or delivering cheaper groceries, like he ran on [in 2024], I’m there to have that conversation.”

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He added that his approach would balance cooperation and resistance, depending on the policies in question.

“I’m here to work for the benefit of everyone that calls the city home, and that wherever there is a possibility for working together toward that end, I’m ready,” he said. “And if [the administration’s policies] are to the expense of those New Yorkers, I will fight.”

The announcement comes just weeks after Mamdani’s victory in the November 4 mayoral election, where he became the first Democratic socialist elected to lead New York City.

His win followed a contentious campaign marked by sharp policy differences with the Trump administration.

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Before the election, President Trump had warned that a Mamdani victory could have consequences for the city, including the potential loss of federal funding or even a federal takeover.

The President referred to Mamdani as a “Communist” during the campaign, accusing him of promoting policies that would hurt the city’s economic recovery.

Following Mamdani’s election, President Trump slightly softened his stance, telling reporters last week, “I hope it works out for New York,” adding, “we’ll help him a little bit, maybe.”

Mamdani also confirmed that he has spoken with New York Governor Kathy Hochul about how to address future challenges involving the federal government, particularly if disagreements arise over federal directives or funding decisions.

While Mamdani has not disclosed when he will make formal contact with the President, he said he plans to be “proactive” in establishing communication channels between City Hall and the White House before his inauguration.

The incoming mayor’s approach signals that while he intends to stand firm on his political priorities, he recognizes the importance of maintaining dialogue with the federal government on major issues affecting New York City.

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