Trump Warns New York Mayor-Elect Mamdani: ‘We’ll Have To Arrest Him’

President Donald J. Trump did not mince words on Wednesday when addressing the fiery victory speech from Zohran Mamdani, the democratic socialist who defeated disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in New York City’s mayoral race. Mamdani, who has openly called for expanded social safety nets and affordable housing, stirred controversy by ordering Trump to “turn the volume up” during his speech.

“I think it’s a very dangerous statement for him to make,” President Trump told Fox News host Bret Baier. “He has to be a little bit respectful of Washington because if he’s not, he doesn’t have a chance of succeeding. And I want to make him succeed.”

However, Trump quickly clarified, “I want to make the city succeed, I don’t want to make him succeed.”

Throughout Mamdani’s campaign, Trump has frequently criticized the progressive candidate, particularly his platform of government-funded housing and extensive social reforms. Mamdani’s rhetoric has also raised eyebrows, with the candidate facing criticism for engaging in divisive identity politics and for his socialist promises that many believe would lead New York into further economic decline.

In his victory speech, Mamdani called Trump a “despot” who had “betrayed” the nation, a line that only fueled the tensions between the two. The socialist candidate also urged his supporters to use their votes and voices to “stop the next Trump,” claiming that dismantling the systems that allowed Trump to rise to power was essential for the country’s future.

“That was a very angry speech,” Trump said in response. “Certainly, angry toward me, and I think he should be nice to me. I’m sort of the one who has to approve a lot of things coming to him, so he’s off to a bad start.”

Despite Mamdani’s inflammatory words, some of his supporters celebrated his victory, especially as he made history as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City, and at the age of 34, became the youngest mayor the city has had in more than a century.

Trump, however, was not impressed. “Look, for thousands of years, communism has not worked. Communism, or the concept of communism, has not worked. I tend to doubt it will work this time,” Trump remarked.

He added that he was “torn” by Mamdani’s win, due to his “love” for New York City, saying he “would like to see the new mayor do well.” However, Trump made it clear that any goodwill from his side would require Mamdani to make the first move. “I would say he needs to reach out to us, really. I’m here. We’ll see what happens, but I would think it would be more appropriate for him to reach out to us.”

Trump’s stance on Mamdani has been firm from the beginning. Back in June, when asked about Mamdani’s vow to “stop masked ICE agents from deporting our neighbors,” Trump responded bluntly, “Well then, we’ll have to arrest him.”

“Look, we don’t need a communist in this country, but if we have one, I’m going to be watching over him very carefully on behalf of the nation,” Trump added.