New Mayor-Elect Mamdani to Trump: “You’ll Have to Get Through All of Us”

In his victory speech Tuesday night, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran  issued a direct challenge to President Donald Trump, framing his win as a mandate to protect immigrant communities and resist federal immigration crackdowns.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters in Queens, Mamdani , a former state assemblymember and the first immigrant to be elected mayor of New York City ,declared that the city’s identity would not be altered under his leadership.

“New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants,” Mamdani said to sustained cheers. “And as of tonight, led by an immigrant.”

Mamdani’s comments came amid escalating tension between the city and Washington.

Trump has repeatedly vowed to expand federal enforcement actions in what he calls “sanctuary cities,” a policy that has prompted criticism from immigrant-rights groups and several Democratic-led municipalities.

The mayor-elect addressed Trump directly:

“So hear me, President Trump, when I say this: To get any of us, you will have to get through all of us.”

Mamdani, 33, ran on a platform emphasizing affordable housing, police reform, and protections for undocumented residents. His campaign drew heavy turnout among younger voters and immigrant communities, according to early precinct data.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mamdani is scheduled to take office on January 1. City Hall officials say transition planning will begin this week, including briefings on public safety, budgeting, and negotiations with state and federal authorities.

With his victory, New York will have its first immigrant mayor in modern history — a milestone underscoring the city’s shifting political landscape and its continued role as a national flashpoint in the debate over immigration.