NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani (Shutterstock)
Mamdani has been criticized for engaging in anti-Israel rhetoric and questioned for his refusal to condemn the slogan “globalize the intifada.”
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
President Donald Trump reignited his criticism of New York Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, posting on social media that “any Jewish person” who votes for him “is a stupid person.”
The remark came as New Yorkers headed to the polls Tuesday, with Mamdani, a progressive state lawmaker, leading the race to become the city’s first Muslim mayor.
Trump has made Mamdani a focal point of his attacks this election cycle, calling him “a communist” and “a self-proclaimed Jew hater.”
Mamdani has been criticized for engaging in anti-Israel rhetoric and questioned for his refusal to condemn the slogan “globalize the intifada.”
In addition, the mayoral candidate supports BDS and boycotts against Israel, has said that he would be willing to have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested for alleged war crimes if he visits New York.
Mamdani has said he discourages the phrase but believes Palestinians have the right to resist occupation.
The 34-year-old candidate, an Indian American born in Uganda, has drawn both strong opposition and support. While critics have denounced his views on Israel—he has stated that the country should not exist as a Jewish state—he has gained backing from some liberal Jewish activists who advocate for Palestinian rights.
Trump has largely avoided direct involvement in local races during his second term but has made Mamdani’s candidacy a national issue.
He labeled the Democratic front-runner “a gift to Republicans” and warned that his election would threaten federal funding for New York. In a surprise move, Trump endorsed independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, arguing that a vote for the Republican nominee, Curtis Sliwa, would split the opposition and help Mamdani win.
Mamdani responded defiantly, calling himself “Donald Trump’s worst nightmare” and pledging to “fight him every step of the way.”
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