NEW YORK — President Donald Trump responded sharply Wednesday to remarks made by New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, warning that the incoming leader’s rhetoric and policies could put him “on the wrong side of the law.”

The exchange marks the first major clash between the White House and the progressive mayor-elect — and it’s happening before Mamdani has even been sworn in.

During a victory speech Tuesday night at Brooklyn’s Paramount Theatre, Mamdani — a self-described democratic socialist and the first Muslim and South Asian mayor in the city’s history — took aim at Trump, calling him a “despot” who had “betrayed the nation.” He vowed to “dismantle the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power.”

Trump, speaking on Fox News with host Bret Baier, dismissed the speech as “angry” and “unwise.”

“I think it’s a very dangerous statement for him to make,” Trump said. “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.”

He quickly added, “I want to make the city succeed — not him.”

A Fiery Introduction to City Hall

Mamdani, 34, rode a wave of progressive energy to victory earlier this week, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in what analysts have called one of the most ideologically polarized elections in New York City history.

His campaign focused on affordable housing, free public transit, rent freezes, and expanded social programs, all under the banner of building a “city that works for the working class.”

But his comments during the election — especially his vow to block federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the city — quickly drew the attention of the Trump administration.

In an interview clip that went viral on Wednesday, Trump directly addressed those remarks:

“If he says he’s going to stop federal law enforcement from doing their job,” Trump said, “then we’ll have to arrest him.”

The president called Mamdani’s position “communist” and “dangerous,” saying that obstructing federal immigration enforcement would violate U.S. law.

“He’s playing with fire,” Trump added. “If he tries to block ICE or any federal officer from carrying out lawful orders, that’s a criminal act. Period.”

Mamdani’s Defiance — and His Message to Supporters

Mamdani, a former state assemblyman from Queens and the son of Ugandan immigrants, campaigned on what he described as “a moral realignment” of New York’s priorities.

In his victory speech, he took direct aim at both major parties, accusing them of enabling inequality and neglecting working-class communities.

“The people of New York have spoken,” Mamdani said to thunderous applause. “They have said: no more to billionaires buying our democracy, no more to landlords squeezing every last cent from our homes, and no more to leaders who treat compassion as weakness.”

He also singled out Trump, saying, “We must stop the next Trump — not by waiting for another election, but by dismantling the very system that allowed him to rise in the first place.”

Mamdani’s speech immediately set social media ablaze. Supporters hailed it as a bold statement of values, while critics — including several national Republicans — accused him of grandstanding and undermining respect for the presidency.

Trump’s Warning: “Respect Washington”

On Fox News, Trump appeared both irritated and dismissive. While acknowledging Mamdani’s historic win, the president made clear that he expected cooperation from the new mayor — particularly on law enforcement and immigration issues.

“He’s got to understand that there are limits,” Trump said. “He’s not the president of his own country — he’s the mayor of one city. And that city still answers to federal law.”

Trump’s comments were interpreted by some as a veiled threat — especially his remark that he “approves a lot of things coming to him.”

“I think he should be nice to me,” Trump said with a grin. “I’m sort of the one who has to approve a lot of things coming to him, so he’s off to a bad start.”

The statement quickly went viral, drawing comparisons to Trump’s earlier clashes with local leaders such as California’s Gavin Newsom and Washington, D.C.’s Muriel Bowser.

Political and Cultural Divide

The friction between Trump and Mamdani reflects a broader cultural and political divide between Washington’s conservative populism and New York City’s progressive politics.

While Trump continues to campaign nationally on themes of “law and order” and “American restoration,” Mamdani represents the ascendant left-wing movement within the Democratic Party — one that emphasizes social equity, climate action, and immigrant rights over traditional political pragmatism.

Political scientist Dr. Alina Cordova of NYU noted that both men thrive on confrontation.

“Trump and Mamdani are polar opposites ideologically, but they operate in the same rhetorical universe — both frame themselves as champions of ‘the people’ against corrupt systems,” Cordova said. “The difference is that each defines ‘the people’ very differently.”

Supporters Rally to Mamdani’s Defense

Despite Trump’s warning, Mamdani’s supporters celebrated his victory as a moment of national significance. Thousands gathered in Times Square Wednesday night for a spontaneous rally, chanting “Power to the People” and “Hands Off Our Mayor.”

Social media was flooded with messages of solidarity from across the country, including from progressive lawmakers like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who tweeted:

“New York just made history. Zohran Mamdani is the future of this city — and a voice for working people everywhere.”

Others, however, cautioned that Mamdani’s confrontational approach could backfire if it leads to direct clashes with federal authorities.

“Symbolic resistance may win headlines,” said Democratic strategist Reggie Torres, “but if you start defying federal law, it doesn’t end with a hashtag — it ends in court.”

What Comes Next

Mamdani will take office in January, but the early signals suggest a turbulent relationship with Washington.

The Trump administration has already indicated it will challenge any attempt by the new mayor to restrict ICE operations or withhold cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Legal experts say that if Mamdani issues a city directive ordering police to block federal officers, it could trigger a constitutional showdown — similar to those seen during earlier “sanctuary city” disputes under previous administrations.

“If the mayor directly interferes with federal enforcement, it becomes a matter for the courts,” said James Larkin, a constitutional attorney in New York. “But the optics of arresting a sitting mayor would be explosive. Both sides would have to tread very carefully.”

For now, Mamdani appears undeterred. His team released a brief statement Wednesday evening reaffirming his stance:

“Mayor-elect Mamdani remains committed to protecting New Yorkers from unjust and discriminatory policies. He welcomes dialogue with the federal government, but his priority will always be the people of this city.”

Whether this tense back-and-forth escalates into a full-blown political battle remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — New York’s new mayor hasn’t even taken office yet, and he’s already found himself in a national spotlight.

And for President Trump, that may be exactly how he wants it.