Trump warns New York would “never be the same” if Mamdani is elected mayor, calling him a “communist” and “a disaster.”

Trump Issues Stark Warning About Mayoral Race

President Donald Trump cautioned New Yorkers on Tuesday that the city would “never be the same” if Zohran Mamdani, a self-described Democratic socialist, is elected mayor. Mamdani, an assemblyman from Queens and the Democratic Party’s nominee, has drawn national attention for his progressive views and vocal criticism of federal immigration enforcement.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, Trump denounced Mamdani as a “communist” and questioned his capability to lead. “He’s a disaster. He’s leading. He’s got the Democrat nomination because that shows you where the Democrats have gone,” Trump said. “No. 1, you have a communist running, and you shouldn’t vote for him.”

Trump insisted he was not formally intervening in the mayoral race but issued a dire prediction: “If a communist gets elected to run New York, it can never be the same.” He also referenced Mamdani’s statements on immigration, specifically the candidate’s pledge to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting deportations in the city. “Well, then we’ll have to arrest him,” Trump told reporters. “We don’t need a communist in this country, but if we have one, I’m going to be watching over them very carefully on behalf of the nation.”

Mamdani Responds: ‘Assault on Democracy’

In response, Mamdani accused Trump of threatening democracy, stating, “The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported. Not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorize our city.” He added that Trump’s rhetoric was intended to intimidate dissenters across New York: “If you speak up, they will come for you.”

The escalating rhetoric comes amid criticism of Mamdani from both Republicans and Democrats. Trump further questioned Mamdani’s refusal to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” a slogan associated with Palestinian resistance. “He wants to operate the grocery stores. The department stores. What about the people that are there? I think it’s crazy,” Trump said, calling Mamdani a “total nut job.”

Democratic leaders have also expressed concern. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that “globalize the intifada” was not “acceptable phrasing,” highlighting division within Mamdani’s own party.

As the city approaches the mayoral election, Trump’s warnings and Mamdani’s rebuttals have brought national focus to the contest, intensifying debate over New York’s future direction and the boundaries of political discourse.