Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Nov 6: Newly elected New York mayor Zohran Mamdani, in his first press conference since his historic victory, asserted that he would stand firm against the pressure from the Trump administration while addressing what he termed as the twin crises of “authoritarianism and affordability.”

The 34-year-old mayor-elect, the first Indian-origin and African-born leader to helm New York City, announced his transition team on Wednesday. He emphasised that his administration would focus on tackling housing costs and improving public transportation — key pillars of his election campaign.

Mamdani’s victory has already sparked political tremors across the United States. US President Donald Trump, who had earlier labelled Mamdani a “communist,” hinted at a brewing political rivalry with the new mayor. “And so it begins!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account soon after Mamdani’s win.

In a subsequent Fox News interview, Trump accused Mamdani of being “angry” and warned that “he has to be respectful of Washington if he wants to succeed.” He, however, added that he wanted “the city to succeed” despite his disagreements with the mayor-elect.

Mamdani, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, dismissed Trump’s remarks and reaffirmed his commitment to representing working-class New Yorkers. “We will tax the millionaires and invest in the people,” he said. “My administration will not bow to intimidation — our city deserves better.”

He also directly addressed Trump in his election night speech, saying, “Turn the volume up and listen to the voice of New Yorkers demanding change.”

Mamdani’s transition team includes notable figures such as former Federal Trade Commission chair Lina Khan, Elana Leopold (former aide to Bill de Blasio), and Maria Torres-Springer, who served as deputy mayor under Eric Adams.

The newly elected mayor will officially assume office on January 1, 2026, marking the beginning of a new political chapter in New York’s history.