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New York’s incoming mayor, Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, has said he is willing to meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss the crushing cost of living facing city residents.
Mamdani, whose unexpected rise from political underdog to mayor-elect has captured wide attention, joked during a press briefing that he had yet to receive any congratulations from the White House.
“I continue to be interested in having a conversation with President Trump on how we can work together to serve New Yorkers,” he said, suggesting “delivering on his campaign promises around cost of living” as one.
He stressed that he would welcome direct engagement with the president, particularly on economic issues that both men placed at the centre of their campaigns. Mamdani suggested that a constructive approach could include holding Trump accountable for the pledges he made to voters around reducing living costs.
Despite drawing clear ideological lines with the president, Mamdani said the administration must go beyond highlighting the financial struggles of working families and instead deliver meaningful relief. He criticised Trump for promising lower food prices while simultaneously pushing to freeze food assistance during the ongoing government shutdown.
Mamdani’s own winning platform focused on easing pressure on ordinary New Yorkers by introducing free bus transport, regulating rents more tightly and expanding access to free childcare. He argued that his success in promoting such policies has rattled Republicans, who fear his ambitions may soon become a reality.
On Wednesday, Mamdani unveiled the five women who will lead his transition team. The group includes Lina Khan, currently chair of the Federal Trade Commission under President Joe Biden, and Maria Torres-Springer, who resigned her post as deputy mayor under outgoing mayor Eric Adams due to her association with Trump.
