Mamdani Says He’ll Try to Discourage Trump From Sanctuary-Related Funding Cuts

Trump has pledged to end funding by Feb. 1 to sanctuary cities that restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks at Cypress Hill Child Care Corporation to promote 3K and pre-K enrollment on Jan. 14, 2026. Nicholas Zifcak/The Epoch Times

NEW YORK CITY—New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Jan. 14 that he has been communicating with President Donald Trump and will try to stave off federal funding cuts related to the city’s sanctuary policies.

In the “handful of texts and calls we’ve exchanged, it’s always about making the case for the city,” Mamdani said during an event in Brooklyn. “I want to be very clear that our values and our laws are not bargaining chips.”