Mamdani says he will call Trump before taking office

New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani said that he will call President Trump before taking office.

"I will be proactive," Mamdani told NBC New York on Tuesday, explaining his strategy to dissuade the federal government from sending ICE agents or National Guardsmen to the city.

"I will be reaching out to the White House as we prepare to actually take office because this is a relationship that will be critical to the success of the city," he said.

Mamdani added that he believes it is his responsibility to work collaboratively with political opponents and not wait until it's too late to avoid consequences for the city's people.

Mamdani said that he and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul have discussed how to respond to the Trump administration's threats, and noted that it's important to work to prevent that kind of pressure.

Before Mamdani's election victory last week, Trump threatened to cut federal funds to the city if he became mayor.

However, after Mamdani won, Trump said he would speak to him and "will help him a little bit, maybe."

Mamdani's mayoral term will begin on Jan. 1.