Trump calls Mamdani a “communist” after the candidate declines to denounce “globalize the intifada,” sparking party criticism.

Trump Condemns Mayoral Candidate’s Refusal to Address Controversial Slogan

President Donald Trump delivered a forceful critique of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday after the Democratic primary winner declined to denounce the phrase “globalize the intifada,” a slogan widely associated with support for Palestinian resistance against Israel.

Speaking to reporters, Trump labeled Mamdani “a total nut job” and “a communist,” questioning the judgment of New York voters and warning about the potential consequences for the city. “We will have a communist for the first time, really a pure, true communist. He wants to operate the grocery stores, the department stores. What about the people that are there? I think it’s crazy,” Trump asserted. He added, “There will never be socialism in the United States. So even the communists, I think it’s bad news.”

Mamdani, a Ugandan-born Muslim and Democratic socialist who secured his party’s nomination in June, came under scrutiny following comments made in recent media interviews. On Sunday, Mamdani told NBC News that he would not condemn the “globalize the intifada” phrase, explaining that he did not wish to “police language.” “Ultimately, it is not language that I use. It is language I understand there are concerns about, and what I will do is showcase my vision for the city through my words and my actions,” Mamdani explained. He emphasized his belief in upholding free speech and not imposing limits on public discourse.

The candidate’s remarks ignited criticism not only from Republicans but also from leading Democrats. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York told ABC News that the phrase was “not acceptable phrasing” and urged Mamdani to clarify his position as the campaign advances. “He’s going to have to clarify his position on that as he moves forward,” Jeffries said.

Mamdani has defended his broader positions on Israel and free speech. In a prior interview on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” he stated, “Israel has the right to exist. Like all nations, I believe it has the right to exist and a responsibility also to uphold international law.”

The ongoing debate over the “globalize the intifada” slogan has placed Mamdani at the center of a high-profile controversy just months before the mayoral election. As criticism mounts from across the political spectrum, Mamdani has remained firm in his commitment to avoid policing language and focus instead on presenting his own vision for New York City. How voters respond to the controversy—and whether Mamdani clarifies or shifts his position—remains to be seen as the campaign intensifies.