Mamdani’s Meteoric Rise
Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist from Queens, has become a rising political star after defeating Andrew Cuomo in a surprise upset in the NYC mayoral primary.
With policies like a $30 minimum wage, free public transit, universal preschool, and taxing the rich, Mamdani has captured national attention — and drawn fire from both political parties.
Trump’s Attacks Intensify
Former President Donald Trump lashed out at Mamdani on Truth Social, calling him “a 100% Communist Lunatic.” In a Fox News interview, Trump warned, “If he does get in, I’m going to be president, and he’s going to have to do the right thing or they’re not getting any money.” At a press conference in Florida, Trump escalated the rhetoric, saying, “If he’s going to stand in the way, we might have to arrest him.” He questioned Mamdani’s citizenship, adding, “That’s straight-up communism.”
Mamdani Responds
Appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press, Mamdani said, “I have already had to start to get used to the fact that the president will talk about how I look, how I sound, where I’m from, who I am.” He argued Trump was using personal attacks to distract from policies hurting working people. Mamdani, a naturalized citizen born in Uganda to Indian parents, condemned Trump’s threats: “The president of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship… not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorize our city.”
A Divided Democratic Front
Mamdani also criticized NYC Mayor Eric Adams for echoing Trump’s messaging. “It is a scandal that Eric Adams echoes this president’s division, distraction and hate,” he said. Meanwhile, GOP Rep. Andy Ogles commented, “Bye bye, little muhammad!” — fueling further outrage.