President Donald Trump reportedly sharply derided Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist who emerged as the surprise frontrunner in New York City’s mayoral primary, calling him a “total nut job” and warning that New Yorkers would be “crazy” to vote for him.
Speaking on the White House lawn, Trump mocked Mamdani’s election-eve win over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, labeling him a “pure, true Communist” and threatening to make an example of him. “We’re going to have a lot of fun with him,” he said, adding sarcastically that Mamdani would “have to go right through this building to get his money” if he were elected—a reference to the White House.
Trump singled out Mamdani’s progressive platform—calling for city-run grocery and department stores, hefty taxes on the wealthy, and increased property levies on higher-income neighborhoods—as evidence of his radicalism. He said Mamdani’s agenda mirrored failed communist models and warned that it would harm New York’s economy and residents.
Farmed largely at his base, Trump framed Mamdani as emblematic of a broader left-wing threat. “I think the people of New York are crazy if they go this route,” he said, calling out New York Democrats for backing what he described as dangerous socialists.
Mamdani, 33, born in Uganda and serving in the state Assembly, has embraced democratic socialism even as he denies being a communist.
He surged in popularity by tapping into concerns over affordability, housing, and income inequality. He notably declined to condemn the slogan “globalize the intifada”—a phrase associated with Palestinian resistance—explaining that censorship of speech isn’t the role of a mayor.
In response to the attacks, Mamdani dismissed Trump’s rhetoric as a diversion from real policy debates. On Meet the Press, he defended his vision for city-run stores as pragmatic solutions to the high cost of living and said that Trump’s remarks reveal more about the president’s tactics than any legitimate critique of his agenda.
Mainstream Democrats have adopted a cautious message: while Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Representative Hakeem Jeffries praised Mamdani’s grassroots energy, they have declined to endorse him, wary of his leftward tilt.
Trump’s vitriol signals a new front in federal interventions in city politics.
He follows through on prior threats to cut federal funding if New York’s next mayor pursues sanctuary policies or anti-Israel positions. Now, he suggests Mamdani’s electoral victory could invite direct retaliation from Washington.
As the general election approaches—with Republicans and independents preparing to challenge the Democrats—the hostility underscores the polarized climate enveloping major urban races.
With fiscal stability, public safety, and local governance at stake, the rhetoric promises to intensify—leaving voters to decide whether Mamdani’s populist vision or Trump’s warnings will carry the day.
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