President Donald Trump warned Democratic mayoral primary winner and state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani that if he becomes New York City mayor, he "better behave" or he will have "big problems," after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was asked if he's worried about Mamdani arresting him.
Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the ranked-choice Democratic contest two weeks ago, sending shock waves throughout the party.
The New York state assemblyman secured his position atop the Democratic ticket by campaigning on affordability and social welfare, outpacing Cuomo, who had based his campaign on experience and combating antisemitism. Following the primary outcome, Cuomo has left open the possibility of an independent run, while incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa prepare for November's general election.
Mamdani's ascent represents a pivotal moment for New York City and the national Democratic Party, as a democratic socialist has defeated a veteran of the centrist establishment. His platform -- centered on free public transport, universal child care, rent freezes and publicly owned grocery stores -- diverges from mainstream New York Democrats and signals rising influence for progressive and socialist movements within urban politics.
While speaking to reporters alongside Netanyahu and other Cabinet members, the president ripped Mamdani, calling him a "communist," in a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, by conservative commentator Brigitte Gabriel.
Trump also accused the New York assemblyman of saying "some really bad things" about Jewish people.
When asked if he takes Mamdani's comment about arresting him if he entered New York City seriously, Netanyahu said he is "not concerned about that." Trump quickly responded that he would "get him out."
The president later added that New Yorkers don't know who the mayor will be yet, "but this is a communist. He's not a socialist, he's a communist," Trump said.
"I think he's going through a little bit of a honeymoon right now, but he might make it. But you know, it all comes through the White House; he needs the money through the White House; he needs a lot," the president added. "He's going to behave. He'll behave; he better behave; otherwise, he's going to have big problems."
Trump then added that Mamdani's philosophy is something the United States is "not ready for and it never will be."
Mamdani has seemingly defended the phrase "globalize Intifada" as "a desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights." He has also called antisemitism a "real issue" in New York City and said Hamas' attack of Israel on October 7 was a "war crime."
What People Are Saying
Political science professor at Columbia University, Robert Y. Shapiro, to Newsweek via email Monday night when asked if Trump and Mamdani could find common ground: "I think Trump would continue to use him as a foil and to associate all Democrats and the Democratic party with all of Mamdani's traits and proposed and alleged policies Trump has already been attacking."
Shapiro continued: "The trait and policies that would make Democrats appear too far to the left and out of the mainstream as the 2026 midterm elections approach. It would be a way to continue to distract everyone from the less desirable and effective things Trump has been trying to do. The cynical view would be that Trump is looking for a reason to have federal troops join ICE in rounding up undocumented immigrants that Mamdani tries to protect, and to arrest local officials who get in their way."
"Mamdani would do well not to take the bait and move forward with the policies he has proposed to improve people's lives in New York City, and figure out a way, with the good will he might get in winning the general election, to work with the business and real estate community and other groups who have opposed him. There is little chance that he and Trump could work together," Shapiro concluded.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont posted to X on Monday: "Today, a war criminal under indictment from the ICC will be welcomed to the White House. Trump, like Biden before him, has aided and abetted the extremist Netanyahu government as it has systematically killed and starved civilians in Gaza. It is a shameful day in America."
Mamdani, last week on X: "Donald Trump is attacking me because he is desperate to distract from his war on working people. We must and we will fight back."
What Happens Next
The general election for New York City mayor is November 4.