The White House has taken a firm stance against democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, warning that his potential election as New York City’s mayor could lead to significant challenges for the city. In a Monday press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked that President Donald Trump believes Mamdani’s policies would ‘crush’ New York City, describing them as radical. Nevertheless, Leavitt indicated that Trump would remain open to working with Mamdani if he wins the mayoral election, acknowledging the president’s consistent approach of engaging with a wide range of political figures.
Mamdani, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, has already made waves by defeating establishment favorite former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary. His political rise has sparked debate, particularly due to his refusal to condemn the phrase ‘globalize the intifada’ during recent interviews. This phrase has become a point of contention, with Jewish community leaders and lawmakers raising concerns about its implications. Liberal podcast host Donny Deutsch criticized Mamdani for his stance, highlighting the phrase’s connotation of violence and linking it to recent attacks in Boulder, Colorado, and the October 7 terrorist attacks.
In response to the controversy, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has urged Mamdani to distance himself from the phrase, emphasizing that it has caused fear and offense within Jewish communities. The situation has drawn attention from various political figures and media outlets, with Fox News’ White House correspondent Peter Doocy addressing Mamdani’s potential deportation calls from some lawmakers. Despite the backlash, Leavitt reiterated that Trump remains open to working with Mamdani, though the potential collaboration would face considerable challenges due to their ideological differences. The situation underscores the broader political tensions in New York City as the mayoral race progresses.