Mamdani describes ties with Trump as ‘honest and productive’ amid tax clash
WASHINGTON, DC: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has described his working relationship with US President Donald Trump as “honest, direct and productive,” pointing out the importance of federal cooperation for the city’s needs.
Speaking in an NBC interview marking his first 100 days in office, Mamdani said their discussions often go beyond formalities, touching on detailed issues such as zoning changes in Manhattan. He attributed their rapport partly to their shared connection to New York City.
“He’s the president of the United States of America. I’m the mayor of New York City, and we know that so much of what the city needs is also dependent on a relationship with the federal administration,” Mamdani said.
Mamdani speaks about his relationship with Trump
He added that he partially credits their at times chummy relationship to the fact that “New York City holds a very special place for him as well as for me. We’re both from the same city.”
“Our conversations are not just of the scale that is typical with the president, but also granular about even the things as specific as zoning law changes in midtown Manhattan, and that, I think, speaks to the fact that Donald Trump is not just the president of this country, he’s also someone who’s been a New Yorker for his entire life, and there is an investment in this,” the mayor added.
The remarks came just a day before Trump sharply criticized Mamdani’s economic agenda, accusing him of “destroying New York” over plans to introduce a pied-à-terre tax on high-value properties owned by non-residents.
The proposed tax, backed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, would target homes worth over $5 million and is expected to generate about $500 million annually. Mamdani defended the move, saying both he and the president ultimately want the city to succeed.
Mamdani reiterated that taxing the rich was central to his campaign platform, arguing the new levy would help fund key priorities such as expanding free child care
He described the tax as a long-pursued policy goal that has finally gained momentum through coordination with the state government.
Push for universal child care
The mayor highlighted a $1.2 billion agreement with Hochul aimed at expanding free child care, including a programme already launched for 2-year-olds.
Mamdani said the administration plans to achieve universal free child care across New York City by the end of his first term, covering all 2- and 3-year-olds.
Among other initiatives, the mayor announced plans to open city-run grocery stores in each borough, starting with East Harlem, to provide essential items like bread and eggs at lower prices.
He also reiterated his goal of making public buses free, though the proposal faces hurdles due to a $5.4 billion budget deficit.
Mamdani pointed to rising living costs, worsened by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, as a key challenge for New Yorkers. He argued that economic concerns add to the case for opposing the war.
Personal diplomacy yields results
Despite policy disagreements, Mamdani cited instances where his rapport with Trump proved beneficial. He recalled raising the case of a detained student from Columbia University during a meeting, after which the president reportedly intervened to secure her release.
Looking ahead, Mamdani said his priority is delivering results for New Yorkers rather than engaging in national political debates.
Emphasizing a results-driven approach, he said voters are more concerned with tangible improvements in daily life than political rhetoric.
