Full interview: Zohran Mamdani on his relationship with Trump and his vow to tax the rich

Summary

Meet the Press – Full Interview: Zohran Mamdani on His Relationship with Trump and His Vow to Tax the Rich

Date: April 19, 2026
Guest: Mayor Zohran Mamdani
Host: Dylan Dreyer (NBC News)

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Overview

This episode of Meet the Press features New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at the end of his first 100 days in office. The discussion, led by host Dylan Dreyer, centers on Mayor Mamdani’s ambitious campaign promises, his policy achievements and challenges—especially on childcare, public transit, and affordable groceries—and his interactions with both Governor Kathy Hochul and President Trump. The interview also delves into his stances on taxation, social justice issues, and his role as the city’s first Muslim and democratic socialist mayor.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Progress on Campaign Promises

[01:04–04:47]

• Universal Childcare:
  • Announced a $1.2B agreement with Gov. Hochul to extend free childcare to all two- and three-year-olds.
  • Commitment: By end of first term, all two-year-olds will receive free childcare; expansion to younger ages planned for a potential second term.
  • Quote: “We are now doing it for two year olds as well. By the end of our first term, we will see every... two-year-old receiving free childcare…” ([01:35])
• "Fast and Free" Buses:
  • Speeding up bus service with a 20% increase in bus speeds along 45 key corridors; more than 1 million riders benefit.
  • Bus fares: Only one free bus route as of now, but pursuing expansion with state support.
• Rent Freeze:
  • Filled all six rent guidelines board vacancies, setting stage for potential rent freeze decision this summer.
  • Quote: “They’ll make their decision this summer.” ([03:24])
• Government-Run Grocery Stores:
  • First of five planned stores (one per borough) to open in East Harlem next year, focused on cheaper (not free) essential groceries.
  • Quote: “We want the outcome to be... cheaper groceries to New Yorkers.” ([05:47])
• Mamdani maintains optimism but tempers expectations by noting a desire for a second term to fulfill all promises.

2. Budget Challenges & Tax Policy

[02:00–13:56]

• Budget Shortfall:
  • Inherited a $12B shortfall; reduced to $5.4B via savings and cooperation with the governor.
• Pied-à-Terre Tax:
  • Recently agreed with Governor Hochul on a tax for luxury second homes (“the properties of the wealthiest of the wealthy”), projected to raise $500M annually.
  • Quote: “It will raise half a billion dollars for New York City, and it will do so on an annual basis.” ([02:59])
• Broader Taxation:
  • Seeks further taxes on the wealthy through personal income and corporate taxes but admits progress is incremental and politically challenging.
  • Property tax increases: Listed as a “last resort,” not a preferred tool.
  • Quote: “Because it’s a broken system, it is a system far more aggressive than what we want to do… progressive taxation.” ([11:25])
• Defending Impact on Working/Middle Class:
  • Asserts new taxes target only the very wealthy, not middle-income New Yorkers.
  • Quote: “Unless they make more than a million dollars a year… these are not taxes that apply to them.” ([12:16])

3. Relationship with President Trump

[13:56–17:53]

• Nature of Relationship:
  • Characterizes it as “honest, direct, and productive.”
  • Has had more than one Oval Office meeting; cooperation based on shared love for New York.
• Memorable Moment:
  • After Mamdani raised concerns about ICE detaining a Columbia University student, President Trump reportedly ordered the student’s release within 30 minutes.
  • Quote: “Thirty minutes after the meeting, he called me and said he had now made the decision to release her.” ([16:42])
• Trust:
  • Stops short of saying he fully trusts Trump, but values ongoing communication.
  • Quote: “We should be judged by the actions that we have.” ([17:43])

4. National and Global Policy Reflections

[17:53–20:11]

• Iran War & Costs:
  • Critiques federal spending on war over domestic investment.
  • Cites Tupac: “We always have money for war and not to feed the poor.” ([18:20])
• Support for Diplomacy:
  • Supports diplomatic efforts to end war with Iran, emphasizing both moral and economic rationales.

5. Public Safety, ICE, and Civil Rights

[20:11–23:21]

• ICE Actions:
  • Strongly opposes federal use of ICE for policing, especially at polling places.
  • Emphasizes city’s success in crime reduction via NYPD, not federal intervention.
  • Quote: “Lowest recorded murders... joint lowest recorded shootings...” ([21:15])
• Hate Crimes & Social Cohesion:
  • Warns against wars abroad fueling division and hate crimes at home.

6. Democratic Party, Leadership, and Generational Change

[23:35–26:55]

• Party Generational Debate:
  • Avoids weighing in directly on Kamala Harris, Chuck Schumer, or potential AOC challenge.
  • Calls for a party led by “vision,” not just generational change.
  • Quote: “Too many Americans, when they want to look for ambition in the Democratic Party, they have to turn to a history book.” ([26:55])

7. Personal, Identity, and Security Issues

[26:55–30:24]

• Family Controversy:
  • Condemns October 7th Hamas attack as a “horrific war crime,” labels Hamas a terrorist group.
• Experiences with Islamophobia:
  • Describes increasing Islamophobic rhetoric as “disgusting” and a national political issue.
  • Concerned for less prominent individuals who suffer in silence.
  • Quote: “It is treated as permissible, that it’s acceptable, that it’s just a fact of life.” ([28:41])
• Personal Safety & Political Violence:
  • Acknowledges threats but expresses confidence thanks to NYPD; insists threats won’t deter public engagement.
• Approachability:
  • Strives to stay in touch with daily life in NYC, using public transit and “living like New Yorkers.”

8. Defining Democratic Socialism in Practice

[31:38–32:44]

• What It Means:
  • Democratic socialism is about “democracy extending from the ballot box to the rest of our lives” and “fighting for each and every person who calls the city home.”
  • Emphasis on delivery—universal childcare, infrastructure improvement (“sewer socialism”).
  • Quote: “The worth of an ideology can only be judged in its delivery.” ([31:58])
• Continued Faith:
  • Despite budget challenges and “red tape,” belief in democratic socialism is only stronger.
  • Quote: “Working people need that focus, that fight from politicians more than ever.” ([32:44])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Taxing the Wealthy:
  “I always said that I believed in the importance of taxing the rich. This is taxing the rich.” ([09:38])
• On Personal, Direct Governance:
  “If I'm only seeing one New Yorker in the reflection of my window, and that's myself, I'm not going to be able to fight for everyone…” ([30:24])
• On Hamas and October 7th:
  “I think that October 7th was a horrific war crime. I think that Hamas is a terrorist organization, and I think that any violation of international law is something that should be opposed.” ([27:21])
• On Democratic Party Renewal:
  “What are we for? That is a question that I think we have to be able to answer.” ([26:10])
• On Democratic Socialism:
  “It is the belief that democracy should extend from the ballot box to the rest of our lives.” ([31:58])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Achievements and campaign promises | 01:04–04:47 | | Budget & Taxes (pied-à-terre, property, income) | 02:00–13:56 | | Relationship with President Trump | 13:56–17:53 | | Iran War & federal policy | 17:53–20:11 | | ICE, public safety, hate crimes | 20:11–23:21 | | Democratic Party leadership/generational change | 23:35–26:55 | | Hamas, October 7, personal/family controversy | 26:55–28:12 | | Islamophobia, personal safety | 28:12–30:24 | | Defining/defending democratic socialism | 31:38–32:44 |

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Closing Thoughts

Throughout the interview, Mayor Mamdani maintains an optimistic yet pragmatic tone, balancing his lofty campaign ambitions with the fiscal and political realities of running America’s largest city. He repeatedly underscores a commitment to delivering tangible improvements for everyday New Yorkers, foregrounds his progressive tax agenda, and frankly addresses the difficulties of forging partnerships with powerful political figures. His vision for democratic socialism is practical, grounded in infrastructure and affordability, and tightly intertwined with social justice and inclusivity.

Transcript

[Craig Melvin]

Craig.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I'm Craig Melvin. Cheers. Cheers. Cheers. I've always been a glass half full kind of guy, and now I'm talking to some people who look at the world that way, too. Some really fascinating folks who share their defining moments, their triumphs, their challenges. Their stories are funny and quite candid. So I hope you'll join me each week. And who knows, you might just come away with your own glass half full.

[Craig Melvin]

Search Glass Half Full with Craig Melvin From Today on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Hey, everyone. I'm Dylan Dreyer, co host of the third hour of Today and mom to three wild boys. I've learned a lot in my years as a parent, mostly that I don't have it all figured out yet.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

And I'm not the only one.

[Dylan Dreyer]

This is my new podcast, the Parent Chat. Each week I sit down with someone new for honest conversation and real world advice about parenting.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I am over here just, like, winging it.

[Craig Melvin]

Hey, I'm just trying not to screw

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

my own kids up. I'm not giving you advice on how

[Craig Melvin]

not to screw your ass up.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Search the parent chat on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. Mayor Mamdani, welcome back to Meet the Press.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

Thank you for having me. It's a pleasure to be back.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Well, it's wonderful to have you here to talk about your first 100 days in office. We really appreciate the opportunity and there is a lot to cover. So let's dive right in. Let's start big picture. You came into office, you made sweeping promises on the campaign trail. I'll name a few. Freezing the rent free and fast buses. Universal child care. Here we are, 100 days in to your tenure as mayor. Are you still confident you can deliver on all of your promises that you made to New Yorkers?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

Yes, I am. And I'm confident of that because of what we've seen over this hundred days. On day eight, we announced a $1.2 billion agreement with Governor Kathy Hochul to put our city on the pathway to universal child care. We are not only providing free child care for every three year old in the city, we're now doing it for two year olds as well. By the end of our first term, we will see every sing two year old receiving free childcare across the five boroughs of New York City.

[Dylan Dreyer]

And we're going to talk about child care and a number of your other policies. You're also facing a $5.4 billion budget shortfall. You are required by law to balance the budget. Are you confident you can accomplish all of the promises that you made in your first term, in one term.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

So I've always said that we would accomplish all of these promises by the time that I'm done being the mayor, and I'm fully confident of doing exactly that. And as you said, we inherited the large fiscal crisis that this city has seen since the Great Recession. Frankly, this dwarfs even that. When we first came into office, we were looking at $12 billion. And thanks to the work that we did, the savings, the allocations of our reserves, the commitment from the governor, we were able to bring that down to $5.4 billion. Now what we're seeing is the importance of not just finalizing the city budget process, but the state budget process. And we're actually just a day from the moment when the governor announced that we will be pursuing a pied a terre tax, which will be the properties of the wealthiest of the wealthy. And we're so excited to be working with her on exactly that because it will raise half a billion dollars for New York City, and it will do so on an annual basis.

[Dylan Dreyer]

And we are going to get to taxes momentarily. But do you think you can accomplish all of your promises to New Yorkers, or do you think you would need a second term in order to promise and achieve the sweeping promises you make?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I'm going to just knock on wood over here for the second term. But look, I've said time and again that when I was running for mayor, New Yorkers would come up to me. They would say one of three things. Typically, they were talking about freezing the rent, making buses fast and free, delivering universal childcare. In this first hundred days, we had six vacancies on the rent guidelines board that determines whether or not that decision will be made. We filled all six of them. They're an independent board. They'll make their decision this summer. When it comes to universal childcare, we talked about the 1.2 billion. When it comes to making our buses fast and free, we're already delivering on the fast. We are speeding up buses for more than a million New Yorkers putting back up to six minutes back into their lives each trip. And we're doing this because we currently have the slowest buses in the United States of America, and we're working with Albany to make those buses free. And we're confident by the time that we are done with our administration, we will have delivered on these three central promises.

[Dylan Dreyer]

So you got the fast part for the buses, the free part. What specifically do you think you will have accomplished by the end of this

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

first year, by the End of this first year, what we're going to see is us delivering these 2000 free childcare for 2 year olds across New York City. It's going to be 12,000 by the end of next year. Every single two year old by the end of four years. When it comes to our buses, we will have sped up the process for buses for more than a million New Yorkers. What this means is 20% increases in speed across 45 priority corridors.

[Dylan Dreyer]

But buses won't be free by the end of your first.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

We're working with Albany right now and we're still confident that there is a part of this budget that could start that process of making buses free. We have one bus route free in New York City right now. We're excited at the prospect of building that out before we deliver it for every bus route.

[Dylan Dreyer]

And just to be very clear, to put a fine point on this, I don't hear you committing to being able to accomplish everything with one term.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I've always been hopeful of getting two terms and I've always said to New Yorkers that we would accomplish everything with however much time that we get.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Days ago you announced that your first of five planned free government run grocery stores will open next year in East Harlem. In response, grocery store magnate John Castamatiti says he can't compete with city run grocery stores selling food for free. If private grocers start closing because of your policy, will your policy have been a failure or do you simply see that as the cost of achieving your grocery store plan?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

So I just want to correct you on one thing. These are not free groceries. These are cheaper groceries. We've always said that we would have one city run grocery store in each borough and they would provide cheaper groceries. And we're going to do that by guaranteeing it through a basket of essential items, the kinds of things that New Yorkers need from their grocery store but they haven't been able to budget for. We're talking about bread and eggs, the staples that have been skyrocketing. Now, I know that grocery prices have been increasing across the country, but they've been increasing at an even higher rate in New York City. Our goal here is to deliver cheaper groceries to New Yorkers. That's what we want the outcome to be. John is someone that I've had the pleasure of getting to know, someone who's been a big part of New York City life. And I'm excited to be delivering this. And even as we may have some disagreements to still looking to serve New Yorkers across the Five properties.

[Dylan Dreyer]

If John Kastametides, though, closes some of his stores, will that be a failure on your part? How would you see that?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I will leave John's business decisions to John, but what I will tell you is that we're talking about five grocery stores in a city that has more than 1,000.

[Dylan Dreyer]

And just to be very clear, you're saying some of these items will be cheaper than the essentials, but not necessarily all.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

We're talking about the basket of essentials. We're talking about the items that New Yorkers plan their lives around that right now they've been getting priced out of. That's what we're going to deliver. And we're so excited because the first city run store, the site that we announced, it's at La Marqueta in El Barrio in East Hart, which is actually the same place that Fiorello LaGuardia opened a market for fruits and vegetables at lower cost to New Yorkers back in 1936. We're continuing that legacy by delivering on something that frankly is a non negotiable. It's food.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Let's talk about how you're going to pay for all of this. You've worked with Governor Kathy Hochul to get some of the starting blocks in place for universal childcare, for example, which you referenced. When can New Yorkers expect to see full universal child care? What's the timeline for that?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

They will see full universal childcare for two year olds by the end of the first term and then in the second term we would pursue fulfilling that for one year olds and those from six weeks and above. We've always said over the course of the campaign we would deliver it for New Yorkers from the ages of 6 weeks to 5 years. What we started in this first hundred days was fixing the system for three year olds. We've delivered on that. We're rolling that out right now and then starting to deliver it for the first time in history for two year olds. And I just want to go back to sometimes this feels like just checking off a box on a list that did we do something that we talked about? The importance of doing this is also because of what it means for New Yorkers. We're talking about $20,000 a year that a family won't have to shell out for childcare any longer because they know they can afford to raise their kid in the city they love.

[Dylan Dreyer]

And you still don't. You have agreement with Governor Hochul on that. You don't have an agreement with Governor Hochul on raising taxes on the wealthy.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

Yet.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Will you be able to deliver on your promise of taxing the wealthy to help pay for your programs?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

Absolutely. And I'm actually happy to tell you that that pied a terre tax, that is an agreement that we have to tax the wealthy, because again, when we're talking about a pied a terre, this is a home that is owned here in New York City by someone who doesn't live in New York City. And we're talking about the valuation of which is the super rich, not just of this country, but across the world. I was just yesterday standing in front of 220 Central Park west, and there at the penthouse was a home that Ken Griffin had bought for $238 million. This is the kind of real estate activity that's happening in the city. Homes that are largely empty for much of the year. But it all occurs while New Yorkers are hurting in this same city. We're starting to actually bridge that gap. And I'm so excited to be working with the governor on it.

[Dylan Dreyer]

And yet, is the pied a terre tax an acknowledgement that you can't get a broader tax on the wealthy here in New York, which is what you promised and how you said you would pay for all of these program.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I always said that I believed in the importance of taxing the rich. This is taxing the rich. And I said that the two ways that I thought were the most straightforward of doing so, personal income tax, corporate tax, those were the two ways that I thought we could achieve it in the most straightforward manner. Part of that is a reflection of the fact that a pied a terre tax has been something that has long been fought for in the city, but hasn't been possible to get over the finish line. It's been really exciting to work with the governor to win something that many thought would never have a chance.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Why did you float raising property taxes, which typically fall heavily on the middle class as well?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

So in New York City, as you said earlier, we have a legal obligation to balance the budget. We have three moments where we come forward with a budget, preliminary budget, an executive budget, and then the adopted budget, the final one, the preliminary budget on February 17, we had to both tell New Yorkers about not just the level of our fiscal deficit, but what was still Left to fill. 5.4 billion, as you said. Now, I can't put forward an accounting statement and just say 5.4 billion. We hope to find a way working with the state. That's the truth. But in terms of what you have to put in Your budget, you have to use the tools the city has to fill it in in the interim. And so in the interim, what we did was the only tools we had at our disposal, a property tax and rating of our reserves. But I made very clear on that day, in every day since, it is a last resort. Because what we want to pursue, what we will spend every day looking to pursue, is working with Albany, working with the governor, legislative leaders, and frankly, we're already seeing the fruits of that work. This pied a terre tax is one example of how we're reducing that defic. Not doing so on the backs of working class New Yorkers.

[Dylan Dreyer]

You're calling a property tax a last resort. Are you backing away from it? Have you all but abandoned your push for a property tax because there was backlash?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

No, I'm just quoting myself from February 17, the very day that I introduced our preliminary budget. I said then and there, I do not want to do this. And the truth of it is, because it's a broken system, it is a system far more aggressive than what we want to do, which is progressive taxation.

[Dylan Dreyer]

So a property tax, increasing property taxes is still on the table.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

We are continuing to work with Albany to ensure that that is not the path that we go down. We're seeing in the pied a terre tax, we're already finding notes of encouragement that show us a different kind of path. This state budget, we hope, will be finalized by the end of this month. And then when we put forward our executive budget, we'll be able to update what tools the city has.

[Dylan Dreyer]

When you talk to New Yorkers, they say they feel like they're already. What do you say to middle class New Yorkers who are worried some of these taxes could wind up impacting them?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I tell them unless they make more than a million dollars a year or own some of the most profitable corporations in our city or have a second home that's worth more than $5 million, then these are not taxes that apply to them. And what I've sought to make this city the most expensive in the United States of America is one that's affordable for the people who have been priced out of it. And that's why I have fought for a vision that looks to ask those with the most that little bit more so that everyone can live here.

[Dylan Dreyer]

And when I talked to you several months ago, I asked you about your push to increase income taxes, you expressed confidence you would ultimately be able to reach an agreement with Governor Hochul. Where does that stand? Do you have any confidence that she will see eye to eye with you at some point on increasing income taxes.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

Well, I have to say that I am really glad at the relationship that the governor and I have developed. I wish it wasn't so unique, because relationships in the past between mayors and governors have not been this productive, frankly, for the city. And what we're seeing in that relationship is a commitment to this city. And when I spoke to you about the importance of personal income tax for a million dollars or more, or corporate tax for the top tier of profitability, it was all grounded in the belief that we had to tax the wealthiest among us to deliver for everyone. This pied a terre tax. It is a clear illustration of that belief in action. We're so excited to be delivering the

[Dylan Dreyer]

pied a terre tax. You view it as a step toward a broader tax. It sounds like you haven't abandoned your push for a broader tax on the wealthy.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I think the pied a terre tax is an incredible step. I think the final part of this budget process is to ensure that we're balancing the budget at zero. And that continues to be the work that we do with Albany, as well as right here in City Hall.

[Dylan Dreyer]

All right, let's talk about President Trump. When we last spoke after your first Oval Office meeting, one that surprised a lot of people in how cordial it was, how would you describe your relationship with President Trump right now?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I would say that it's honest, it's direct, and it's productive.

[Dylan Dreyer]

And are you still in regular contact with him? How often do you speak to the president?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I'll keep the cadence of that between the two of us. Much of that is based on the premise of privacy. But what I will say is that those conversations, no matter how they happen, they return back to one thing, one of the few things that we have in common, which is our love for New York City and how to deliver for this same city. He said it after the first meeting that we had in the Oval Office. He told the press that were there that the better this city does, the happier he feels. That's exactly how I feel about the city as well.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Understood you're not going to give me the exact cadence, but is it fair to say you have had, to some extent, ongoing discussions since that first Oval Office meeting?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

Yes. And we've seen a second meeting at the Oval Office. And much of this is a reflection of the fact that 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 this city needs is also dependent on a relationship with the federal administration. You know, we are sitting here in City hall, and I've spoken often about my belief that Fiorell La Guardia is the greatest mayor in our city's history. I shared that with the president as well. And I pointed at a portrait of FDR that he had shown me, and I said that so much of what LaGuardia was able to accomplish was because of a relationship with fdr, was because of the New Deal investments that we saw. And that's why in the second meeting that I had with the president, I put forward a proposal to build more housing in a single development than the city has seen since the early 70s. And it was something that he was interested in. And that's a big part of the conversation we're continuing to have.

[Dylan Dreyer]

You know, many Democratic mayors, governors, members of Congress have struggled to figure out how to navigate their relationship with President Trump. What do you think you have gotten right about that? What do you think that you're doing that's been effective so far?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I think, to be honest with you, I am lucky in that I have something that no one else does, which is that I'm from New York City. And New York City holds a very special place for him as well as for me. We're both from this same city, and it means that 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's an investment in this city doing well.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Because you've now had a number of conversations with President Trump. Do you trust President Trump?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I would say that those conversations are ones where we know they have to continue. And there have been times where I have raised things to the president. For example, in that last meeting, it was a meeting we mostly spoke about this housing development. But over the course of the meeting, I did mention that just that morning, that ICE had detained a Columbia University student. I mentioned to him that this was part of a larger trend that we had seen of five individuals being detained in or around Columbia University. I gave him a list of those five. Thirty minutes after the meeting, he called me and said he had now made the decision to release her. And so I think we see in those decisions the worth of a relationship that is both honest and direct and looking to be productive. And that honesty means acknowledging places of disagreement. When I was telling him that, I also told him, as I've said time and again, that I believe these ICE raids to be cruel, to be inhumane, and to do nothing, to serve in the stated interest that it has, which is that of public safety.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Given that you have found some common ground with President Trump, would you say at this moment you trust him?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I would say that he is someone I will continue to speak with. And that I think, like with any politician, myself, or himself, or any other one, we should be judged by the actions that we have.

[Dylan Dreyer]

You and President Trump arguably both won on similar messages of affordability. New York City already had one of the highest energy rates in the country. Now the war with Iran has triggered the worst oil disruption in US History. Is there anything that you can or will do as mayor to help alleviate some of the high costs that New Yorkers are bearing right now due to the war in Iran?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

We are looking to deliver relief to New Yorkers, frankly, even from before this war. Because while this war has exacerbated a cost of living crisis, that is a crisis that existed for from even before the time I was running for mayor. And it's reflected in the fact that we are the most expensive city in the United States of America. But I think your question also gets back to the fact that this is a war to not just be opposed on political grounds, on moral grounds, but even just on economic grounds. We are speaking about a federal administration that has spent upwards of $28 billion killing thousands of people all the way over in the Middle east, at the same time as we're being told that this money cannot be found to invest in working Americans across this country. And I wish that the words of Tupac from the 90s weren't still prescient, but they continue to be true for too many, which is that we always have money for war and not to feed the poor.

[Dylan Dreyer]

I know you're the mayor of New York, but there are diplomatic talks that President Trump says could be restarting. Do you support those diplomatic talks, given the strong perspective that you have on Iran?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I support the end of this war. And anything that can deliver that I think is critically important. I support that not just as an American, but also as the mayor country of the this city. And I say that because at the core of any war is a dehumanization that takes place. It is never confined to a battlefield. Recently I read of a report of a hate crime that took place at a subway station. I called the young woman. She told me that she was a young Muslim woman, and that right before her attacker threw her to the ground, the first thing that he said to her was, I wonder how many Iranians we killed today. That's what these kinds of actions also bring breed. They breed a vision of the world where there is division, where there is a debate as to who belongs. We're looking to lead a city where we understand that anyone who lives here belongs here. It's time to deliver for all of them.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Let's talk about ice. You just referenced ice. In the midst of the government shutdown, President Trump deployed ICE agents to airports across America, including right here in New York. In the wake of that, former Trump chief strategist Steve Bannon suggested that there could be a test run for. For sending ICE to polling places in the midterms. What will you do if ICE agents show up to polling places in the midterm elections?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I will do everything in my power to ensure that that is not the case. And I think it speaks to a vision of this country where democracy is something to be suppressed as opposed to something to be protected. And I think that what we are seeing time and time again is an attempt to utilize IC for all of the other functions of government that Republicans are unable to fund because they don't want to ensure that these kinds of quality of services continue across our country.

[Dylan Dreyer]

And I know you're not going to get into specifics of your conversations with President Trump, but have you directly raised this issue with him? Have you said to President Trump that you don't want ICE agents here ahead of the midterms?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I've said to the President, it has nothing to do with elections. I've said to him time and time again that ICE is a cruel and inhumane agency, and that here in New York City, we are focused on delivering public safety. I talk about affordability every single day. I know that affordability. It is premised on the delivery of public safety first and foremost. That's why, you know, whether it's the President I'm talking to or anyone else for that matter, I speak about the fact that our approach to public safety in New York City, it's working. We've delivered the lowest recorded murders in New York City history, the joint lowest recorded shootings in New York City history. Staten island has gone more than 180 days without a murder. Major Crimes are down by more than 9%. We know what we need to do to deliver safety. We have the NYPD tasked with that responsibility to think that ICE should be doing that. It speaks to a complete hey guys,

[Craig Melvin]

Willie Geist here reminding you to check out the Sunday Sit Down Podcast. On this week's episode, I sit down with one of the biggest bands in the world, Mumford and Sons, as we get the boys together to talk about their new number one album, Prize Fighter and the evolution of that irresistible foot stomping sound. You can get our conversation for free wherever you download your podcasts. Let's kickstart your wellness journey with the Dark Today app. Workouts Meal plans. It's your fast track to a healthier you. And now, during the Xfinity Member Celebration, members can get an exclusive 50 off an annual subscription. Head to xfinity.com membership to learn more. Xfinity Imagine that subscription automatically renews each year at 65.99 plus taxes and fees until canceled. Offer ends May 20, 2026. Prices subject to change. Visit today.comxfinity for full offer terms and details.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

Stay informed with the NBC News app Breaking news just coming in moments ago.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Watch, read and listen throughout your day

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

and now unlock even more with a subscription. It's the best of NBC News with

[Dylan Dreyer]

fewer ad interruptions, including ad free articles,

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

podcasts and full NBC News shows, plus deeper access and exclusive content.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Let's just take a step back.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

It's more context and clarity from the reporters you trust. Download the NBC News app now and subscribe for more. A complete abnegation, frankly, of the kind of politics that New Yorkers are looking for.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Let's talk about the Democratic Party and the future of the Democratic Party. Former Vice President Kamala Harris said just last week she is thinking about running for president again. Would you like to see former Vice President Kamala Harris run for president again?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I have to be honest, I haven't thought about the candidacies for president this time. My focus is 2026.

[Dylan Dreyer]

You're the only Democrat who hasn't thought about that.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

And I'm proud to say that I am not and will never be running for president. And here in 2026 I want to be delivering for New Yorkers. And when it comes to the national level, I want to make sure that we win these midterms and actually have a vision that we're fighting for, not just one that we're fight.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Former Vice President Kamala Harris was the nominee in 2024. Do you think she would be the strongest person to represent Democrats in 2028?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I know you're trying to get me to answer the previous question again, but I have to be honest with you. I think that New Yorkers are tired of politicians pontificating about other politicians. What they want to see are results. And that's why my focus has been more on potholes than on politics.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Let me ask you about some New York politicians. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer notably did not endorse you in the general election. And now there's discussion about generational leadership in your party. As you know, just three years ago, do you think that Senator Schumer should step aside as leader of Senate Democrats?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I have to be honest with you. This is another question that gets into the Future, gets into 2020.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Well, this is a New Yorker, though. This is personal for you in some way in terms of your politics here.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

And I'll tell you that right now my focus is on working with everyone, and that includes Senator Schumer. It includes others as well. And it's not predicated on did you endorse me in the election or not? Because everyone is a New Yorker who has the opportunity to deliver for this city. You know, recently I worked with Senator Schumer to deliver on a hub of relief for delivery workers right here across from City Hall. That's what it looks like to actually work with anyone and everyone. We're going to continue to do that.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Would you like to see Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez challenge Senator Schumer for his seat as a part of the generational change that's being discussed?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I will tell you this, that I have had the privilege of being represented by Congresswoman Ocasio Cortez, and it was an honor to have that be my experience. Now it's an honor to work with her as an incredible congresswoman, and I'm excited to see whatever it is that she decides to do next. I don't think she's made a decision as yet, but we're very proud of her here in New York City.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Do you have any thoughts about this debate over generational change? Is it tough time for a younger generation of politicians in the Democratic Party?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I think it's time for a party that reflects the urgency that we're seeing across this country in terms of hunger, frankly, that is not as much tied just to age, but to vision. You know, we know very well what we oppose. What are we for? That is a question that I think we have to be able to answer. What are we fighting for? It was not just enough in this mayoral campaign to say that I wasn't like other mayoral candidates. We had to always answer the question of New Yorkers, what we deliver for them. And I really think that that is at the heart of the question for our party. And I'll be honest with you, when you look back at the history books of our party, 100 years ago, we had a very clear vision of what we were fighting for. And it is sad that for too many Americans, when they want to look for ambition in the Democratic Party, they have to turn to a history book.

[Dylan Dreyer]

I want to ask you about some of the focus on you, your family. The first lady, she got a lot of attention after she and I know you've been asked about this. She liked posts. They appeared to celebrate Hamas attacks, Israel on October 7th. You've said she's her own private person. But I want to ask you, and I think some of your allies want to know from you, do you think it's wrong to celebrate those terror attacks on October 7th?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I want to make very clear. I think that October 7th was a horrific war crime. I think that Hamas is a terrorist organization, and I think that any violation of international law is something that should be opposed. And I believe that because I have a belief in universal policy, whether it applies to here in New York City or anywhere across the world. And I'll also be honest with you that when New Yorkers come up to me and they're asking me questions, most of these questions come back to can I make my rent? Can I find a way to afford to live in the most expensive city in the United States of America? Can I afford groceries? That's really what our focus has been as an administration.

[Dylan Dreyer]

What do you say to New Yorkers who might want to hear from the first lady herself on this?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

Well, I'll say to them that, you know, the first lady has shared her own reflections. I won't add my words to hers, but I'm so proud that I get to call her my wife. She's an incredible woman and one of immense integrity.

[Dylan Dreyer]

I want to ask you about some of the Islamophobia that we have seen recently. You are the first Muslim mayor of New York City, and some Republicans in Congress have posted what are outwardly Islamophobic comments in the wake of the war with Iran. Congressman Randy Fine, for example, even saying, quote, we need more Islamophobia, not less. How are you reflecting on that rhetoric as a Muslim American serving as the mayor of America's biggest city?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I think it's disgusting and I think it's a reflection of a kind of bigotry that, frankly, isn't just confined to a Republican Party. It's become endemic to political life across this country. And what makes it unique is not the fact of its bigotry. Many Americans of different faiths face bigotry. What makes it unique to me is the way in which it is treated as permissible, that it's acceptable, that it's just a fact of life, that it isn't something to be spoken up in opposition to. And I'm less concerned for myself. I'm more concerned, frankly, for so many Muslims who face these same kinds of attacks, but we don't know their names. They don't have the privilege of serving as the mayor of the city. And I'm concerned about them because I'm concerned about anyone who calls the city home. And how do we ensure that they never feed, feel that their belonging is in question. They never feel that because of who they are or where they come from, they don't deserve the same things as anyone else.

[Dylan Dreyer]

The suspects accused of throwing explosives outside your residence were arraigned this week and pleaded not guilty. As you sit here, are you worried about your own personal safety?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I'm very thankful to have hard working men and women of the NYPD who keep me safe and keep New Yorkers safe each and every day. I don't fear for my safety, and that is a testament to the work that they do. I will say that there are threats that I receive as by virtue of being the mayor of the city, and they will never intimidate me from doing the job that I am so grateful to have, which is a job to serve New Yorkers across the five boroughs.

[Dylan Dreyer]

We are in an extraordinary moment where political violence is on the rise. How do you process that and not let it stand in the way of your work?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I think it is something that we have to be clear about, that no matter who this political violence seeks to target, it must be vehemently opposed. It doesn't matter what you think about that person's opinions or whether you agree with them, to allow political violence to become a part of public life. It is the way in which democracy starts to disintegrate as a place where we can engage with those with whom we disagree. And it is all too easy amidst all of this, to try and hide yourself from the world, to try and live only inside of City hall or in your armored vehicle. But we always know that to best understand New Yorkers, you have to live like New Yorkers. And that's why I'll take the train, I'll get on the bus, I'll ride a bike, I'll walk around. Because if I'm only seeing one New Yorker in the reflection of my window, and that's myself. I'm not going to be able to fight for everyone across the city. Get the best of NBC News with a subscription, fewer ads, deeper access and exclusive content. And now, during the Xfinity Member Celebration, members can get an exclusive 50% off an annual subscription. Head to xfinity.com membership to learn more. Xfinity Imagine that subscription automatically renews each

[Dylan Dreyer]

year at $65.99 plus taxes and fees until canceled.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

Auver ends May 20, 2026.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Prices subject to to change. Visit nbcnews.comxfinity for full offer terms and details. And just finally, Mayor Mamdani, you are the first democratic socialist mayor of New York. Now that you have reached 100 days in office, how do you define what democratic socialism means?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

In practice, it is the belief that democracy should extend from the ballot box to the rest of our lives. It's the belief that we should be fighting for each and every person who calls the city home. And in a practical sense, it's the choice to not only deliver the first steps to universal childcare, but to do it while filling in 102,000 potholes, changing 6,700 catch basins, repaving more than 1,000 miles of roadway. Because what we know in our pothole politics and our sewer socialism is that the worth of an ideology can only be judged in its delivery. And that's what we're looking to do. We're looking to deliver.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Now that you've bumped up against the hard realities of a $5.4 billion budget shortfall and the other red tape that you have to go through, do you still believe in democratic socialism? Do you still think can be effective?

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

I believe in it even more than I did the day before. And that's because of the fact that it is focused on the needs of working people. And working people need that focus, that fight from politicians more than ever.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Mayor Zoran Mamdani, thank you very much.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

Thank you so much.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Really appreciate your time.

[Mayor Zoran Mamdani]

Thank you. Real pleasure.

[Dylan Dreyer]

Thank you.

[Craig Melvin]

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