A fresh political and legal clash is unfolding in New York City as U.S. President Donald Trump takes aim at Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposed tax on high-value second homes.

Trump has criticised the measure, arguing that the tax could drive wealthy homeowners and investment away from New York City. He has also questioned whether the federal government has any legal authority to challenge the policy.

Mamdani’s administration, however, says the measure is aimed at making the city more affordable and ensuring that owners of expensive properties that are not their primary residences contribute more towards the city’s finances.

The proposed tax has already encountered a legal setback. A Staten Island court reportedly blocked its rollout, while the Mamdani administration has moved to appeal the decision and says it will defend the policy in court.

Trump vs Mamdani: NYC Luxury Second-Home Tax Sparks Fresh Political Clash

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor in the first minutes of 2026 at the historic Old City Hall subway station. The oath was administered by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. Mamdani, 34, the city’s first Muslim mayor and former state lawmaker, pledged to uphold the Constitution and New York laws. A public inauguration on City Hall steps will follow, with Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez participating. Mamdani raised $2.6 million from nearly 30,000 contributors for the transition and celebrations and won 50% of the vote, inspiring over 2 million voters.


Zohran Mamdani takes oath on Quran, vows to protect US constitution

New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is set to become the US city's first Muslim mayor, and the youthful optimism of his Democratic Socialist platform will be put to the test as he takes office Thursday for a four-year term that faces high expectations.


Democrat socialist Zohran Mamdani set to take oath as New York City's first Muslim Mayor

The New York City mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, announced a transition team to help enact what he called the city’s most ambitious policy platform in a generation. Right after his mayoral race win, Mamdani vowed to get right to work as he prepares to take office on January 1.


Zohran Mamdani announces all-female transition team as he prepares for New York mayoralty

New York City’s newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers a powerful message in his victory speech, directly addressing U.S. President Donald Trump. 
In a moving moment, Mamdani told supporters that “New York will be a light in a moment of political darkness,” pledging to make the city a symbol of hope, unity, and progressive values.

Zohran Mamdani faces a daunting task: Making New York affordable

Zohran Mamdani declared New York will be “a light in political darkness.”  The democratic socialist, who is the city’s youngest and first Muslim mayor, promised to stand against Islamophobia and antisemitism, pledging support for immigrants, labor, and economic justice. He directly challenged President Donald Trump.

Zohran Mamdani, NY First Muslim Mayor, Pledges to Combat Hate and Inequality

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