(MENAFN) Newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani held his first press conference on Tuesday, pledging to confront challenges from the Trump administration while tackling the city’s affordability issues.

At 34, Mamdani introduced his transition team and said his immediate focus would be addressing the "twin crises" of "an authoritarian administration and an affordability crisis."

Trump has labeled Mamdani a communist—a characterization the mayor-elect rejects—and has suggested that federal funding for New York City could be withheld if Mamdani takes office. Following the election, the president hinted at a political rivalry, posting "AND SO IT BEGINS!" on his social media account.

In an interview, Trump acknowledged that Mamdani had a "pretty open shot" in the mayoral race due to weak opponents. The former president described himself as "torn" over the outcome and criticized Mamdani's victory speech, calling him "very angry" and saying he is "off to a bad start." He added, "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. I want to make the city succeed. I don't want to make him succeed. I want to make the city succeed."

Trump has also called Mamdani "extreme," while Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated the party will link Democrats to Mamdani’s policies in next year’s midterm elections.

Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has emphasized giving a voice to workers rather than corporations and has promised to tax millionaires to fund expanded social programs. Commenting on Mamdani’s plans, Trump said, "I hope it works out for New York. We'll help him a little bit, maybe."

During his election night speech, Mamdani addressed Trump directly, telling him to "turn the volume up" to hear the enthusiasm of his supporters. At his press conference, he reiterated that he would not "mince my words" regarding Trump, but stressed he would leave a "door open" to engage with the administration on priorities like reducing the cost of living.

Mamdani highlighted key campaign promises, including free bus services and rent freezes for stabilized apartments, and named several members of his transition team: Lina Khan, former Federal Trade Commission chair; Elana Leopold, who served under former Mayor Bill de Blasio; and Maria Torres-Springer, former deputy mayor under Eric Adams. This team will help prepare his administration ahead of his 1 January 2026 inauguration.

On public safety, Mamdani confirmed he would retain Jessica Tisch as New York City Police Department commissioner, addressing questions raised during his campaign. He stated, "It will be my job to stand up for the city and also to ensure that we do not look at Washington DC as if it is the reason for all of the problems right here in New York City."

Mamdani acknowledged that tensions with Trump are likely to follow him into office but emphasized his focus on delivering tangible results for residents. "I think his threats are inevitable," he said in an interview with reports. "I'm looking forward to showing the power of an example here in New York City, an example of what it means to not just diagnose the despair in working people's lives as the cost of living crisis, but to deliver on it. And that's the contrast between myself and President Trump."

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