New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani directly challenged President Donald Trump over US military strikes in Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the New York Times reported. Mamdani said he called the president on Saturday to register his objection to the operation.
“I called the president and spoke with him directly to register my opposition to this act,” Mamdani told reporters during an unrelated news conference. He said he informed Trump that he opposed “a pursuit of regime change” and viewed the action as a violation of both federal and international law.
Reporters pressed the mayor about Trump’s reaction, but Mamdani declined to characterize the president’s response. His aides said Mamdani initiated the call earlier in the day and that the conversation was brief. “I registered my opposition, I made it clear and we left it at that,” he said.
Mamdani’s remarks—along with an earlier written statement—marked his first public clash with Trump since taking office on Thursday. The tension could intensify in the days ahead, as Maduro is expected to arrive in New York to face federal drug and weapons charges in Manhattan.
Although Mamdani and Trump have long held starkly different views—Mamdani has previously called the president a “fascist”—the two appeared cordial during a White House meeting in November. Since then, the mayor had been careful to avoid provoking Trump, even in his inaugural address this week. On Saturday, however, he attempted to downplay any strain resulting from the call.
“The president and I have always been honest and direct with each other about places of disagreement,” he said. “New Yorkers have elected me to be honest and direct and always to do so with the understanding that my job is to deliver for the people who call this city home.”
Despite his objections, Mamdani acknowledged he has little control over the federal case against Maduro, even though the proceedings will take place in New York. “It is my responsibility that whatever actions the federal government takes, that they have a minimal impact on the day-to-day lives of New Yorkers,” he stated.
