Daijiworld Media Network - New York

New York, Nov 5: Moments after his victory in the New York mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani issued a bold message to President Donald Trump, vowing to defend immigrant communities and progressive ideals.

“For your enforcement campaign to get to any of us, you’ll have to get through all of us,” Mamdani declared to thunderous applause from a packed theatre in Brooklyn.

The 34-year-old Democratic Socialist, who defeated Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, celebrated his win as a turning point for the city and the nation. “A city led by an immigrant will always be a city that welcomes immigrants,” he said, as supporters erupted in cheers.

Addressing Trump directly, Mamdani added with defiance:

“Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I’ve got four words for you: turn the volume up.”

Within minutes, Trump fired back on Truth Social, posting ominously: “…AND SO IT BEGINS!” He also called Mamdani a “Communist” and warned that New York City would become “a complete and total disaster” under his leadership, threatening to cut federal funding.

Unfazed, Mamdani cast his victory as a “brave new course” for the United States.

“No longer will we have to open a history book for proof that Democrats can dare to be great,” he said, promising transformative policies — free bus services, universal childcare, rent freezes, and expanded public housing.

Quoting the late Governor Mario Cuomo, he reflected, “You campaign in poetry, but you govern in prose,” before adding, “If that must be true, let the prose we write still rhyme — and let us build a shining city for all.”

Flanked by his parents — filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani — the new mayor positioned himself as the face of a diverse, inclusive New York.

Acknowledging criticism of his faith and political identity, he said: “I am young, I am Muslim, I am a Democratic Socialist — and I refuse to apologise for any of it.”

Responding to accusations of anti-Semitism linked to his stance on Israel, Mamdani struck a conciliatory note:

“We will build a City Hall that stands steadfast with Jewish New Yorkers against the scourge of anti-Semitism. And it will also be a place where more than a million Muslims know they belong — not just in the five boroughs, but in the halls of power.”

He added pointedly, “No longer will New York be a city where you can traffic in Islamophobia and still win elections.”

In their concession speeches, both Cuomo and Sliwa congratulated Mamdani. Cuomo called for unity, saying, “I want to see him succeed for the sake of the greatest city in the world,” while Sliwa warned that if the new mayor’s policies endangered public safety, “he’ll find me to be his worst enemy.”

As the night closed, Mamdani summed up his victory with a promise to his supporters:

“In this moment of political darkness, New York will be the light.”