Overview
- President Trump derided Zohran Mamdani as a communist yet said he wants New York to succeed and will help the incoming mayor.
- Mamdani said he will push back when necessary but is open to conversations with the White House on lowering costs for New Yorkers.
- Article XVI leaves taxation authority with Albany, and Governor Kathy Hochul has signaled opposition to higher taxes on the wealthy.
- Plans for fare-free buses face MTA control, public statements of skepticism from Chair Janno Lieber, and potential bondholder constraints.
- Mamdani can quickly reshape rent policy through Rent Guidelines Board appointments, and he began assembling an all-female transition team as figures like Bill Ackman publicly offered help.