U.S. President Donald Trump has called on New York's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to establish a“new, constructive relationship” with Washington, warning that failure to cooperate could cost the city key federal support.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump said he was open to meeting Mamdani but stressed that the incoming mayor must“respect the federal government and its role in supporting New York.”

He said effective coordination between City Hall and Washington was essential for maintaining security, infrastructure investment, and public services in America's largest city.“New York succeeds when it works with, not against, the federal government,” Trump said.

The president's remarks come as Mamdani, a progressive Democrat and first-generation Ugandan-Indian New Yorker, prepares to take office amid economic pressures, rising housing costs, and post-pandemic recovery challenges.

White House officials said the administration remains ready to assist New York with urban renewal programs, but warned that cooperation“requires mutual respect and alignment on priorities.”

Political analysts view Trump's comments as a signal of both outreach and caution - an invitation for dialogue coupled with a reminder of Washington's leverage over major funding streams.

Observers say the tone of early interactions between Trump and Mamdani will likely set the stage for the city's access to federal resources and its ability to push local reforms without political friction.

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