NEW YORK — As the New York mayoral race heads into its final stretch, Zohran Mamdani is positioning himself as the city’s strongest defender against President Donald Trump — even as Trump threatens to retaliate against his hometown if Mamdani wins next week.

In an exclusive interview 34-year-old state assemblyman discussed his approach to immigration enforcement, affordability, and his tense relationship with Democratic leaders, presenting himself as both a fighter and a pragmatist ready to govern the nation’s largest city.

Standing Up to Trump’s Immigration Policies

Mamdani, once seen as a long-shot candidate, now stands on the verge of victory. Asked what worries him most about becoming mayor, he didn’t hesitate: “What scares me is the prospect of Donald Trump’s puppet holding this office. That’s what we find in Andrew Cuomo, a man paving his narrow path to City Hall with the money of Trump’s billionaire donors.”

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani has pledged to take the hardest line against Trump’s immigration policies. He said his administration would respond aggressively to any ICE raids in New York City, emphasizing the city’s sanctuary protections.

“I’d remind New Yorkers of their rights,” he said. “So many of Trump’s threats aren’t even law. He thinks that by saying something, it becomes so — but it doesn’t.”

Mamdani vowed to use the courts to defend immigrant families, echoing the state’s past legal victories against federal actions. “It’s time to bring that cooperation and conviction right here to New York,” he said, citing the endorsements of Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Tish James.

Willing to Work With Trump on Affordability

While Mamdani positioned himself as Trump’s fiercest opponent, he also said he’s open to collaboration on shared priorities like affordability. “I’ll be ready to speak with the president — but it depends on what he wants to talk about,” Mamdani said.

“If it’s about helping New Yorkers with cost of living, I’ll listen. But if it’s about cutting city funds or sending ICE agents to terrorize families, that’s something I’ll fight.”

This nuanced approach reflects Mamdani’s strategy: challenge Trump on values but cooperate where practical gains are possible.

Blaming Trump for the Federal Government Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown nears its second month, Mamdani accused Trump and congressional Republicans of holding up SNAP benefits for 1.8 million New Yorkers.

“They could release the funding today, as they’ve done before,” he said. “This isn’t just an attack on low-income families — it’s also an attack on grocery stores and local economies that rely on those benefits.”

Citing conversations with Bronx grocers, Mamdani said SNAP accounts for 20% of grocery revenue across the borough. “Republicans need to come back to the table and ensure Americans keep their health care and food assistance,” he added.

Friction Within the Democratic Party

Mamdani’s progressive agenda has divided New York Democrats. While Hochul and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently endorsed him, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not — though he told reporters he maintains “a good relationship” with Mamdani.

Mamdani confirmed speaking with Schumer “a few days ago,” saying their discussion focused on affordability. But when asked whether he trusts Schumer’s leadership, Mamdani replied: “I have confidence in winning this race and in transforming the most expensive city in America into one that’s affordable.”

He also said he’s open to hiring Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) members, the group that helped launch his political career. “I’ll hire people based on their ability to deliver, not their affiliations,” he said.

Tackling New York’s Affordability Crisis

A central theme of Mamdani’s campaign is addressing the cost of living in New York City. When asked about a study showing single New Yorkers pay about $20,000 more annually than those living with partners or roommates, he called it part of a larger affordability problem.

“Whether you’re single, married, dating, or in a situationship,” he said with a grin, “we’re going to fight to make sure this is a city you can afford.”

Mamdani blamed local government for rent hikes, rising utility costs, and record water bills. His plan includes a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments and measures to speed up housing construction across all five boroughs.

“When I talk to developers, their main complaint is the wait,” he said. “Delays drive up costs. We need a streamlined process so we’re not stuck building four homes per 1,000 people while Jersey City builds seven.”

He added that Mayor Eric Adams’ achievements have come “in spite of him, not because of him.” Mamdani promised a mayoralty “actually committed to affordability — not one that benefits wealthy donors.”

Building His Team and Governing at 34

Critics have questioned whether Mamdani, at 34, is ready to manage America’s biggest city. He responded by emphasizing the experience of those he’ll surround himself with.

“I’m looking for New Yorkers whose experience spans generations,” he said. “Leaders who’ve served under multiple mayors and can deliver on ambitious agendas.”

The only confirmed holdover would be Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “Beyond that,” he said, “my hires will be defined by competence, not ideology.”

Responding to Trump’s World Cup Threats

Trump recently claimed he might pull 2026 FIFA World Cup games from cities he considers unsafe — including the New York–New Jersey region. Mamdani dismissed the idea as political theater.

“I’ll prepare for every eventuality with Donald Trump,” he said. “But I take heart from Mayor Michelle Wu in Boston, who reminded everyone that these matches are locked in. Trump can’t just move them.”

Mamdani said Trump’s comments fit a broader pattern of intimidation. “He’s trying to scare cities and leaders who dissent from his cruel policies. But New York will not be intimidated.”

The Road Ahead

With the election days away, Mamdani remains focused on delivering his message of affordability, inclusion, and resistance. “This is an election to be won,” he said. “And it will be won by the team we build — not by endorsements or fear.”

Whether voters see Zohran Mamdani as New York’s next progressive mayor or as a risky choice amid political uncertainty will be decided soon. But one thing is clear: Mamdani has turned a once-unlikely campaign into a defining test of how far New York is willing to go in confronting Trump — and reinventing itself in the process.