Zohran Mamdani, the New York Assemblyman and Democratic Socialist, has officially reacted to Donald Trump’s harsh comments following his surprise success in securing the Democratic Party’s nomination for New York City mayor.
Trump labeled Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic” after Mamdani’s victory in the primary, a remark that the candidate addressed in an interview with ABC News’ Rachel Scott.
Mamdani’s Response to Trump’s Insults
In the interview, Mamdani acknowledged that he is likely to face more attacks from Trump moving forward, but he remained focused on his policy platform. Mamdani urged the president, as well as New Yorkers, to learn more about his actual policies, particularly his efforts to make the city more affordable.
“You know, this is not the first time that President Trump is going to comment on myself, and I encourage him — just like I encourage every New Yorker — to learn about my actual policies to make the city affordable,” Mamdani said, pointing out that Trump has not delivered on his campaign promise of lowering prices for everyday citizens.
Mamdani’s Affordability Plan
Mamdani’s platform centers around addressing the high cost of living in New York City, which has become a critical issue for many residents.
As part of his grassroots campaign, he proposed creating a chain of city-owned grocery stores to help alleviate the financial strain on families struggling with rising costs.
He remains committed to making New York more affordable for all its residents, regardless of their background.
Clashing with Trump on Key Issues
While Mamdani offered a reasonable olive branch for potential cooperation on affordability, he made it clear that he is prepared to challenge Trump’s more controversial policies. Specifically, Mamdani highlighted his willingness to confront Trump’s mass deportation agenda and other policies that he believes target marginalized communities.
“If he continues to focus on persecuting political enemies and on trying to detain and disappear New Yorkers, be it on the basis of their documentation or their sexual orientation or their politics, that is someone that I will fight time and again,” Mamdani stated firmly in the interview.
Trump’s Truth Social Post
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump attacked Mamdani further after the latter declared victory in the Democratic primary. Trump wrote, “Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor. We’ve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous.”
He continued by criticizing Mamdani’s appearance and voice, adding, “He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he’s not very smart.” This public attack is consistent with Trump’s penchant for personal insults against his political opponents.
The Primary Race and Cuomo’s Concession
Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary came after former Governor Andrew Cuomo (D), who was initially considered the front-runner, conceded the race.
Mamdani’s decisive lead made it clear that Cuomo would not secure the nomination. However, Cuomo has yet to rule out the possibility of a third-party run in the general election come November.