Former President Donald Trump sharply criticized Zohran Mamdani, a progressive candidate who just won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor. On his platform Truth Social, Trump called Mamdani a “100 per cent communist lunatic,” adding harsh remarks about his appearance and mental sharpness. He claimed Mamdani “looks terrible,” has a “grating voice,” and “isn’t very smart.” Trump also mocked Mamdani’s backers—including Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez (“AOC+3”) and Senator Chuck Schumer—saying even Schumer is “groveling” before him.
Mamdani, 33, won the primary by securing about 43.5% of the vote, beating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, with 90% of ballots counted. He is the son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan-Indian academic Mahmood Mamdani.
As a state assemblyman from Queens and a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Mamdani ran on a bold progressive program. His plans include:
- Rent freeze on rent-stabilized units
- Free city bus service with added priority lanes
- Universal childcare from 6 weeks to 5 years
- City-owned grocery stores to curb rising food costs
To fund these ideas, Mamdani suggests raising New York City’s corporate tax to match New Jersey’s 11.5% and imposing a 2% tax on incomes over $1 million—raising around $6 billion combined—and tightening spending reforms.
AOC and Bernie Sanders both supported him, praising his grassroots organizing and commitment to working-class neighborhoods. If elected, Mamdani would be New York’s first Muslim mayor.
Trump’s criticism reflects broader national tensions, with conservatives aiming to paint Mamdani as a symbol of extreme progressive politics. Trump even joked that Democrats should consider running a “Low IQ Candidate” like Jasmine Crockett for president to stay competitive.
Mamdani’s candidacy is already stirring debate in New York politics. His progressive platform stands in clear contrast to Cuomo’s more traditional expertise-driven approach. Meanwhile, Trump’s attack aims to corner Democrats into defending a candidate he frames as too radical.
Despite the personal jabs, Mamdani’s supporters say these attacks show exactly why New York needs a new kind of leadership—one focused on affordability, equity, and representing diverse communities.