New York Attorney General Letitia James has offered pointed advice to Zohran Mamdani, the newly sworn-in mayor, as he prepares to confront political attacks and policy clashes linked to former President Donald Trump and his allies.
Speaking in an interview shared by the progressive media platform MeidasTouch, James was asked what guidance she would give Mamdani as he braces for what the interviewer described as pressure from an “authoritarian regime.”
James responded by describing the looming challenge as a constitutional duty rather than a political fight.
“Listen, I defend the rights of New Yorkers. That’s my job every single day, without fear and without favor,” James said. “And that’s what Zohran will do, joining with me against any overreach.”
James stated that resistance to federal or executive overreach must be grounded in law, not partisanship. She said state and city leaders have an obligation to act whenever New Yorkers are harmed, regardless of political cost.
“Whenever any New Yorker is harmed, it’s our responsibility and our duty to stand up and defend the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of New York, and the charter of the City of New York,” she said. “That’s what he swore to last night, and that’s what we’re prepared to do.”
The attorney general, who has been a central legal adversary of Trump in recent years, acknowledged the personal toll of sustained political and legal battles but signaled that resolve—not retreat—is required.
Her remarks suggest a coordinated stance between the state attorney general’s office and New York City leadership in pushing back against policies they view as unlawful or harmful.
James also highlighted the broader role of attorneys general nationwide, noting that state-level legal officers have become a key line of defense in maintaining constitutional checks and balances.
Her comments come as Mamdani begins his tenure amid heightened national polarization and renewed debates over executive power, immigration enforcement, civil rights, and the limits of federal authority. James’ message to the new mayor was clear: governing means standing firm, even when the fight is costly.
