Trump says Mamdani must ‘respect Washington’ if he wants to succeed

Trump calls Mamdani’s victory speech ‘very angry'

US President Donald Trump has said he is open to working with New York’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani but warned that the progressive leader must “be respectful” of Washington to succeed.

“He has to be a little bit respectful of Washington, because if he’s not, he doesn’t have a chance of succeeding,” Trump told Fox News. “I want to make the city succeed,” he added, clarifying that he meant New York City, not Mamdani personally.

Trump also described Mamdani’s victory speech as “a very angry speech,” saying the newly elected mayor should focus on cooperation rather than confrontation.

BREAKING: President Trump just WARNED Mamdani after he said "DANGEROUS" things last night at his speech.

Mamdani: "Hear me, President Trump, when I say this, to get to any of us you will have to get through all of us."

President Trump DIDN'T FLINCH when he responded:

"You talk… pic.twitter.com/Nud81VggzK

RELATED

Zohran Mamdani becomes Mayor of New York City in historic win

Trump reacts to Zohran Mamdani’s victory speech with cryptic message

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) November 5, 2025

In his speech, Mamdani accused the political establishment of “betraying” working-class New Yorkers and framed his win as a model for defeating Trump. “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up,” he said to applause. “To get to any of us, you have to get through all of us.”

While Mamdani said he would not hold back criticism of Trump, he added that his “door remains open” for dialogue.

Mamdani’s election as New York’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor has been viewed as a landmark moment for the Democratic Party’s progressive wing amid its continuing divide with the White House.