President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, labeling the Democrat a “communist” during a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The remark marks a shift from Trump’s earlier branding of Mamdani as a “socialist.”
“He’s not a socialist — he’s a communist,” Trump told reporters during the state dinner. “He’s said some terrible things about Jewish people and many others. I think he’s enjoying a bit of a honeymoon right now, but it won’t last.”
The president also issued a stark warning:
“He better behave, or he’s going to have some big problems.”
Trump Threatens Funding Cuts If Mamdani Wins
This is not Trump’s first public rebuke of Mamdani. The president previously threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani is elected in November.
“Let’s say this — 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,” Trump said in an earlier interview with Fox News.
Trump has also questioned Mamdani’s citizenship, claiming that “a lot of people” believe he may be in the country illegally.
“We’re going to look at everything,” Trump said. “Ideally, he turns out to be much less than a communist — but right now, he’s a communist.”
Mamdani Secures Democratic Nomination
Zohran Mamdani, a democratic-socialist and state assemblyman, won the Democratic primary on July 1, following former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s concession. With the nomination secured, Mamdani is set to face off against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams in the November general election.
Despite Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, Mamdani’s campaign has continued to gain traction, particularly among progressive voters energized by his platform focused on housing, policing reform, and economic justice.
Trump’s repeated attacks suggest that the White House sees Mamdani’s candidacy as a political flashpoint heading into a contentious election season.
