Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist and presumptive Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, is confronting mounting criticism over remarks and actions perceived by opponents as un-American—or, in their words, emblematic of a “Third World City” mindset.
A Racial and Cultural Swipe Sparks Political Firestorm
The controversy began when Texas Republican Congressman Brandon Gill derided Mamdani after seeing a campaign video in which Mamdani ate rice with his hands. Gill’s comment—telling the candidate to “go back to the Third World”—was widely denounced as xenophobic, especially given that hand-eating is a common cultural practice in many cuisines. The backlash grew as commentators and pundits framed Mamdani’s style and rhetoric as starkly anti-establishment and at odds with mainstream political decorum.
From Rent Scandal to Global Politics
Compounding the cultural criticism, Mamdani has faced fierce scrutiny over his personal housing situation. Critics, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams, have accused him of hypocrisy for residing in a rent-stabilized apartment while earning over $140,000 annually and coming from a wealthy family background. Cuomo even introduced a so-called “Zohran’s Law” targeting well-off individuals occupying affordable housing. Mamdani responded by pledging he would vacate the apartment.
Simultaneously, Mamdani’s political views on the Israel-Palestine conflict have drawn additional condemnation. While he previously hesitated to distance himself from the slogan “globalize the intifada,” he later publicly disavowed it amid complaints that the phrasing could be interpreted as encouraging violence or expressing antisemitism.
Critics Sound the Alarm
Business and conservative voices have been especially vocal. Commentators say Mamdani’s policies—ranging from rent freezes and free bus fare to deep critiques of global powers—strike at the heart of established political and economic norms. One columnist portrayed his worldview as shaped more by Third World experience and socialist theory than practical governance, raising alarm about his radical platform upending the status quo.
What Lies Ahead
As the mayoral race intensifies, Mamdani’s campaign stands at a crossroads. While critics depict him as an outsider challenging New York’s political traditions, his supporters see a symbol of bold, progressive change. The question now centers on whether his candidacy will energize voters seeking systemic reform or alienate those unsettled by the “Third World City” label and associated controversies.
