‘You will have to get through all of us:’ Zohran Mamdani, NYC’s newly elected mayor, throws big challenge to Trump in his victory speech; US President responds; check key statements of Mamdani's speech

It was a historic day in New York City which chose its first Muslim mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday (November 4, 2025), capping a stunning ascent for the 34-year-old state lawmaker. Mamdani defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani must now navigate the unending demands of America’s biggest city and deliver on ambitious, skeptics say unrealistic campaign promises.

Besides being the first Muslim mayor, the democratic socialist was also the first of South Asian heritage and the first born in Africa. He will also become the city’s youngest mayor in more than a century when he takes office on Jan 1, 2025.

With mayoral polls done and dusted, it's time for another undeclared battle apparently between US President Donald Trump and Mamdani. He has already faced scrutiny from national Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who have eagerly cast him as a threat and the face of a more radical Democratic Party that is out of step with mainstream America.

Zohran Mamdani vs Trump

Trump has repeatedly threatened to cut federal funding to the city, and even take it over, if Mamdani won. The US president threatened retribution against the city, but also suggested he might try to arrest and deport Mamdani if he won. Mamdani was born in Uganda, where he spent his early childhood, but was raised in New York City and became a U.S. citizen in 2018.

ALSO READ: NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has a special message for US President: ‘Trump, since I know you're watching, turn the volume up’

In his victory speech, Mamdani addressed Trump head on saying that New York will remain a city of immigrants. “New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants and as of tonight, led by an immigrant," he said, "If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him,” he further stated.

In what seemed like a direct challenge to the US president, Mamdani said, “Hear me, President Trump, when I say this,” Mamdani told the president. “To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.” Trump appeared to acknowledge Mamdani’s challenges, posting ”…AND SO IT BEGINS!” on his Truth Social site.