Grating voice, terrible looks, backed by dummies: Donald Trump calls Zohran Mamdani '100% lunatic' after NYC primary win
, a 33-year-old progressive and self-described democratic socialist, has become the unexpected centre of American political debate after defeating
Andrew Cuomo
in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary. His upset win drew an immediate and hostile response from
Donald Trump
, who issued a barrage of insults on his Truth Social platform.
'It's finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor,' Trump wrote.
He added, 'We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he's not very smart, he's got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin' Chuck Schumer, is grovelling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!'
Targeted by Trump and the right
Trump's remarks have amplified efforts by Republicans to cast Mamdani as a symbol of what they call the radical left. The former president sarcastically proposed that Democrats should nominate Rep. Jasmine Crockett as their 2028 presidential candidate, with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as her running mate, and Mamdani joining their Cabinet.
'After years of being left out in the cold, including suffering one of the Greatest Losses in History, the 2024 Presidential Election, the Democrats should nominate Low IQ Candidate, Jasmine Crockett, for President, and AOC+3 should be, respectively, Vice President, and three High Level Members of the Cabinet – Added together with our future Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, and our Country is really SCREWED!' he wrote.
Live Events
This rhetoric is not new. Trump has long targeted progressive Democrats, especially those associated with 'The Squad.' Mamdani, who represents parts of Queens, now joins that list.
A campaign that defied the odds
Mamdani's path to the nomination was shaped by a platform that included free bus services, corporate tax hikes, and strict rent control. His digital campaign struck a chord with younger voters, and endorsements from Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders boosted his progressive credentials.
In the Democratic debate, Mamdani directly addressed Donald Trump saying, 'I am Donald Trump's worst nightmare, as a progressive, Muslim immigrant who actually fights for the things I believe in.'
He also criticised Trump's immigration policies as authoritarian and slammed billionaire donors who backed Cuomo, saying they were 'the same billionaires that put Donald Trump in DC.'
The Cuomo factor and Democratic tensions
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 following multiple sexual harassment allegations—which he denied—had backing from establishment figures including former President Bill Clinton. Cuomo conceded the race but has not ruled out an independent bid.
The outcome has deepened tensions between the party's old guard and its progressive base. Mamdani's victory is being read by many as a referendum on the future direction of the Democrats.
Adams joins in, plans independent run
Mayor
Eric Adams
, who plans to run as an independent, was also quick to attack Mamdani. In a Fox & Friends interview, he called the state legislator a 'snake oil salesman' who would say 'anything to get elected.'
He also raised questions over Mamdani's position on Israel, 'What NYC deserves is a mayor who's proud to run on his record—not one who ran from his record, or one who has no record,' Adams posted on X.
'We deserve a mayor who will keep driving down crime, support our police, fight antisemitism, and stand up for working-class New Yorkers.'
Adams has himself faced scrutiny after the Justice Department dropped a corruption case against him earlier this year, shortly after Trump took office. The move sparked speculation about a quid pro quo involving immigration enforcement, though both Adams and the DOJ have denied wrongdoing.
Mamdani, the son of Indian-born filmmaker Mira Nair, has not only been criticised for his politics but also targeted for his religion. Some right-wing activists have circulated conspiracy theories linking him to 9/11 and questioning his loyalty, despite no basis for such claims.
He has been outspoken against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, describing it as 'genocide,' while asserting he is not antisemitic. Mamdani has pledged to protect Jewish New Yorkers and expand resources to combat hate crimes against all minorities.
The battle for New York's City Hall has morphed into a national spectacle. With Mamdani, Adams, and possibly Cuomo all heading to the general election, the race reflects broader divides in American politics—between left and centre, old and new, and rhetoric and policy.
The result will not only shape New York City's leadership. It could also serve as a marker for the direction Democrats take into the next presidential cycle.
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