New York:June 26 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Indian-American politician Zohran Mamdani after the progressive candidate won the Democratic mayoral primary in New York City. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump labeled Mamdani a “100% Communist lunatic” and criticized top Democrats for supporting him.
“Finally it happened, the Democrats crossed the line,” Trump wrote. “Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist lunatic, won the Dem primary and is on his way to becoming mayor. We used to have radical leftists, but this is getting a little ridiculous.”
Trump also took aim at prominent Democratic leaders, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, both of whom endorsed Mamdani. He referred to Schumer sarcastically as “our Great Palestinian Senator” and mocked Mamdani’s appearance, voice, and intelligence in his remarks.
The former president further suggested that Democrats were promoting what he called a “low-IQ” political class, warning that the rise of figures like Mamdani was a sign that the country is “really screwed.”
Progressive Upset in Democratic Primary
Zohran Mamdani, 33, is the son of Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair and Indian-Ugandan academic Mehmood Mamdani. He currently serves as a New York State Assembly member representing Queens and is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
With 93% of votes counted, Mamdani secured 43.5% in the Democratic mayoral primary, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who garnered 36.4%. The result marks a major victory for New York’s progressive movement, which has steadily gained momentum in recent years.
Mamdani’s campaign focused on left-leaning policies such as fare-free public transportation, a rent freeze, and the establishment of city-run grocery stores. His platform also includes support for higher taxes on the wealthy and more robust protections for tenants and workers.
Divided Democratic Response
While progressive leaders like Ocasio-Cortez publicly celebrated Mamdani’s win, other party figures responded more cautiously. Senate Majority Leader Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued brief statements of congratulations, but neither offered full-throated endorsements ahead of the general election.
Political observers say Mamdani’s win reflects growing dissatisfaction among younger voters and working-class New Yorkers with the city’s political establishment. However, critics argue his views on international issues, including support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, could alienate moderate voters.
Looking Ahead
Mamdani will now advance to the general election in November, where he is expected to face Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, current Mayor Eric Adams (running as an independent), and potentially Andrew Cuomo, who is rumored to be considering an independent campaign.
Trump’s remarks signal that national Republicans may seize on Mamdani’s candidacy to portray the Democratic Party as increasingly out of touch with mainstream American values.
Despite the controversy, Mamdani has not directly responded to Trump’s comments. In a brief statement Tuesday night, he thanked supporters and reiterated his commitment to “building a New York City for the many, not the few.”
