New Delhi, Nov. 12 -- Zohran Mamdani said he plans to personally call President Donald Trump before taking office, emphasizing the need for early communication to safeguard New York City's interests.

"I will be proactive," Mamdani told NBC New York on Tuesday. "I will be reaching out to the White House as we prepare to actually take office because this is a relationship that will be critical to the success of the city."

The Democrat said he intends to dissuade the federal government from "flooding the city with ICE agents and/or National Guard troops."

Mamdani said he views cooperation - even with political opponents - as part of his duty to protect New Yorkers.

"As New York City's incoming mayor, I believe it is my responsibility to ...