Zohran Mamdani, newly elected mayor of New York City, used his victory speech to address former President Donald Trump directly. "After all, if anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him," Mamdani stated late Tuesday night. He emphasized the need to dismantle the conditions that allowed Trump to gain power, saying, "And if there is any way to terrify a despot, it is by dismantling the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power." Mamdani won the mayoral race with 50.4% of the vote, as reported by the New York City Board of Elections. This election saw over two million voters participating, marking the first time since 1969 that voter turnout reached such levels. He will officially take office on January 1, 2026. In his speech, Mamdani expressed gratitude to the city, its residents, and campaign volunteers. He reiterated his campaign promises to address the cost of living, mental health, and homelessness. He also took the opportunity to challenge Trump, saying, "So, Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up." Mamdani pledged to hold landlords accountable, stating, "The Donald Trumps of our city have grown far too comfortable taking advantage of their tenants." He also vowed to combat corruption that allows billionaires to evade taxes and to support labor rights. Mamdani, who is 34 years old and was born in Uganda, highlighted his identity as an immigrant. "New York City will remain a city of immigrants, and it will be led by an immigrant," he said. He added, "So hear me, President Trump, when I say this: To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us." Trump responded to Mamdani's speech on Truth Social, posting, "…AND SO IT BEGINS!" Earlier that day, Trump had labeled Mamdani a "Jew hater" and criticized Jewish voters who supported him. Mamdani has faced scrutiny from some members of New York's Jewish community for his past comments regarding Israel. More than a thousand rabbis signed a letter opposing his candidacy. In his speech, Mamdani addressed concerns about antisemitism, stating, "We will build a City Hall that stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers and does not waver in the fight against the scourge of antisemitism." According to the Anti-Defamation League, New York City recorded 976 antisemitic incidents in 2024, the highest in any U.S. city. The organization noted that incidents in 2025, including harassment and vandalism, have been alarming. Following Mamdani's election, several Jewish organizations released a joint statement expressing their concerns. They stated, "We cannot ignore that the Mayor-elect holds core beliefs fundamentally at odds with our community’s deepest convictions and most cherished values." They pledged to work with all levels of government to ensure safety and respect for the Jewish community and to confront the rise in antisemitism and hate crimes.