Mamdani says he and Trump 'are in touch' despite mayor's fierce opposition to $30B Iran war

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Thursday, April 16, that he remains in contact with President Donald Trump, describing their interactions as candid despite significant disagreements. Mamdani emphasized that both leaders share a common interest in improving New York City.

His remarks highlight an evolving dynamic between the two figures following earlier political tensions. The mayor also reiterated his opposition to US involvement in the Iran war while outlining areas of cooperation.

Zohran Mamdani cites mutual love for NY as common ground

Mamdani, in an interview with CBS News, said that he and Trump “are in touch” and “honest, direct about the fact that we have many disagreements.”

He noted that their relationship reflects a broader willingness to engage across political divides while focusing on shared priorities.

“There is one place of agreement that we have, which is that we both love New York City,” Mamdani said, adding that their discussions often center on improving the city’s future.

He described their exchanges as rooted in a mutual understanding that “the better the city does, the better we feel.”

The mayor characterized the relationship as a “New York story” in which individuals with “vehemently differing views” can still collaborate where interests align. 

He confirmed that conversations between the two have included both domestic and foreign policy issues but declined to share details about their frequency or specifics, saying he would keep “the frequency and the nature of those conversations private.”

One key area of disagreement remains US involvement in the Iran war. Mamdani said he is “deeply opposed to the war,” framing his stance in moral as well as economic terms.

“We’re talking about spending close to $30 billion to kill thousands of people an ocean away, while we’re told that we don’t have even an ounce of that money to help working-class Americans across this country,” he said.

Despite these differences, Trump has previously expressed support for Mamdani’s leadership, stating after an earlier meeting that “some of his ideas are really the same ideas that I have.” He added, “We agree on a lot more than I would have thought.”

Zohran Mamdani backs tax on luxury second homes in New York

Mamdani also recently, on Wednesday, voiced support for a proposal aimed at taxing high-value second homes owned by non-residents, a measure expected to generate significant revenue for New York City.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul introduced a pied-à-terre tax targeting properties valued at $5 million or more.

The proposal would allow the city to impose an annual surcharge on luxury homes owned by individuals who do not reside in the city full-time.

According to Hochul, the plan is projected to generate at least $500 million annually, providing additional funding for essential services.

The governor framed the initiative as an issue of equity, stating it would “ensure that those that own luxury homes, but do not live in the City or pay City income tax, are still fairly contributing towards the funding of the essential services like policing and parks that make New York City a global destination.”