President Donald Trump did not hold back after hearing newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s victory speech — and his response has already set the tone for what may become a very tense political rivalry.
On election night in Brooklyn, the atmosphere was electric. Supporters cheered as 34-year-old Mamdani took the stage, celebrating his historic win. He is now the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor in New York City’s history, and his message was clear from the beginning.
“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. The crowd roared as he continued: “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him.”
Then came the line that made headlines:
“Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up!”
Mamdani’s direct call-out spread fast across social media, and many wondered how Trump would respond. On Wednesday, the president made his feelings clear in an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier.
Trump called the remarks “angry toward me” and “very dangerous,” adding, “He has to be a little bit respectful of Washington, because if he’s not, he doesn’t have a chance of succeeding.”
This was not Trump’s first criticism of Mamdani. During the campaign, he repeatedly referred to him as a “communist,” despite Mamdani identifying as a democratic socialist. Trump had also warned that if Mamdani won, the federal government would provide New York City only the “minimum required” funding.
Later that same day, while speaking at a business event in Miami, Trump shifted to one of his other political rivals, California Governor Gavin Newsom, rolling out a new insult. He paused for effect before saying:
“Maybe that should be his nickname — Slimy. Slimy Newscum, right?”
The audience erupted in laughter. Newsom responded on X with just two words:
“You lost.”
For now, Mamdani has not responded directly to Trump’s comments, but his victory speech made one thing certain — he doesn’t plan to back down.
And Trump’s reply suggests he doesn’t intend to either.
Where this tension leads next could shape not just New York politics, but the national conversation heading into the months ahead.
