'Turn the volume up': Mamdani delivers direct challenge to Trump

Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, wasted no time taking aim at President Donald Trump on Tuesday night. In his victory speech, Mamdani cast his win as a new "dawn" on NYC. The Democratic socialist, who once described himself as Trump's "worst nightmare", reminded the President that the city that "gave rise to him" could also defeat him. “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up!” Mamdani declared to a roaring crowd of supporters shortly after being projected the winner.“So hear me, President Trump, when I say this: to get to any of us, you will have to go through all of us,” he said. "I am young, I am Muslim, I am a democratic socialist and most damning of all, I refuse to apologise for any of this," Mamdani, who is married to Rama Duwaji, a 27-year-old Syrian artist, said.

Mamdani: 'We've toppled a political DYNASTY

These are not hands allowed to hold power, but against all odds — we've GRASPED it' pic.twitter.com/nZ68Y1ioBq

— RT (@RT_com) November 5, 2025

The line, delivered with his signature composure and confidence, was met with thunderous applause — a defining moment that signaled the 34-year-old Democrat’s readiness to confront the former New York mogul-turned-president head-on. He listed out his pledges, including providing universal child care, fast and free buses, and freezing rent increases, as the crowd responded with thunderous applause. Throughout the campaign, Mamdani made no secret of his disdain for what he called “a culture of corruption” that has benefited the city’s wealthiest and most powerful figures. “I will put an end to the culture of corruption that has allowed billionaires like Trump to evade taxation and exploit tax breaks.” Mamdani setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most contentious relationships between City Hall and the White House in decades.