New York’s new mayor claims to be Trump’s biggest nightmare.

On November 4th, 34-year-old Democratic candidate Zuhran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City. Early in the campaign, Trump publicly threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani was elected, and asserted that the city would face economic and social disaster. Trump also insulted Mamdani on social media, calling him a “100% madman,” and even went against party lines to campaign for former New York Governor Cuomo, who was running as an independent, publicly mocking Cuomo as capable while Mamdani was not. The underlying reason is that their policy positions are completely contradictory. Mamdani advocates for free public transportation, raising the minimum wage, and increasing taxes on the wealthy, and promised to address the high cost of living for ordinary people if elected, such as free public transportation, raising the minimum wage, and increasing taxes on the wealthy. Trump, on the other hand, advocates tax cuts, reduced public spending, weakened social welfare, and a pro-capital stance. Mamdani’s policies directly threaten the interests of Trump’s elite and conservative backers. In terms of identity, Mamdani is a young Muslim, South Asian immigrant who supports marginalized groups and immigrant rights. In Trump’s political narrative, “Make America Great Again” points to a nostalgic, white, middle-class-dominated society. Mamdani’s identity represents a new American model, the version of America Trump least wants to see, directly challenging the Republican Party’s identity politics foundation. In terms of stance, Mamdani bluntly stated that he was Trump’s “worst nightmare.” He also openly supported Palestine on Middle East issues, even stating he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu upon his visit to New York after taking office, and criticizing Israel’s military action in Gaza as “genocide.” Trump is pro-Israel, and Mamdani’s position is completely contrary to Trump’s. After his election, Mamdani addressed Trump in his victory speech, stating he would firmly oppose the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant policies and emphasizing that New York will remain an immigrant city. Trump responded that the speech was angry and that Mamdani should be more polite to him. It is foreseeable that the confrontation between the two on immigration policy and the development of New York City may escalate further, and will also have a certain impact on the American political landscape. In short, the conflict between Trump and Mamdani is not only intense during the campaign, but also fundamentally opposed in terms of policy, identity, and stance. Their contradictions and confrontations will continue to be closely watched.