President Donald Trump has launched a sharp attack against New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of being a ‘total nut job’ and a ‘communist’ for not condemning the controversial phrase ‘globalize the intifada.’ The term, associated with Palestinian resistance against Israel, has sparked significant debate, particularly in the context of the ongoing Middle East conflict. Trump, who has previously vowed to eliminate socialism in the United States, warned that Mamdani’s position could lead to the election of a ‘pure, true communist’ in New York City, a move he claims would be detrimental to the city’s future.
Mamdani, a Ugandan-born Muslim and Democratic socialist, won the Democratic Party’s primary for New York City mayor in June. He has defended his stance on the phrase, arguing that it is not his role as a potential mayor to police language. In a recent interview with NBC News, he stated that he does not personally use the term and believes it is not his responsibility to address it. His comments have drawn criticism from both within and outside his party, including from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who called the term ‘unacceptable phrasing.’ Nevertheless, Mamdani has maintained that Israel has the right to exist, a position he reiterated during an interview with ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.’
Trump’s comments have intensified the political discourse around the phrase ‘globalize the intifada,’ which has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over U.S. foreign policy and support for Israel. The phrase is often associated with the idea that the Palestinian cause should be ‘globalized,’ meaning it should be a global issue rather than just a local one. Critics argue that this approach could lead to increased tensions and a more radicalized stance on the Middle East conflict. However, supporters of Mamdani argue that it is important to support Palestinian resistance without allowing the language to be censored or policed by political figures.
Jeffries’ criticism highlights the growing concerns within the Democratic Party about how such phrases are used and their potential impact on the party’s image and policies. The controversy has also drawn attention from the media, with the Washington Post bashing Mamdani as a potential disaster for New York City. Despite these criticisms, Mamdani has continued to defend his position, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the city’s needs through his policies rather than engaging in political debates over language.
The situation underscores the polarized nature of the political landscape in New York and the broader implications of such statements for the political future of the city. As the mayoral race progresses, Mamdani’s stance on the phrase is likely to remain a focal point of the campaign, reflecting the deepening divides in political discourse around the Middle East and the role of language in shaping public opinion.