In a fresh wave of political rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, labeling him a “communist” and warning of “big problems” if Mamdani “does not behave.”
The remarks came during a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where Trump also accused Mamdani of making offensive statements about Jewish communities and others.
“Mamdani is not a socialist, he’s a communist,” Trump told reporters. “He’s going through a little honeymoon right now… but he won’t make it. He better behave.”
The president’s comments follow a series of hostile remarks targeting Mamdani in the lead-up to the November elections. Trump has previously threatened to cut federal funding to New York if Mamdani wins the mayoral race.
Speaking to FOX News earlier, Trump warned, “If he does get in, I’m going to be President and he’s going to have to do the right thing—or they’re not getting any money.”
Adding fuel to the controversy, Trump also questioned Mamdani’s citizenship status, claiming that “a lot of people are saying he’s here illegally” and vowing to investigate further.
Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic-socialist, recently clinched the Democratic nomination after former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded the race. He is now set to challenge incumbent mayor Eric Adams in what is expected to be a closely watched and highly contentious November election.
Trump’s ongoing attacks have sparked sharp debate over political discourse, immigration, and the role of ideological labels in American elections.
