Daijiworld Media Network- Washington

Washington, Jul 2: In his signature fiery style, US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on New York City's Democratic mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani, calling him a “pure, true communist” and a “total nut job.” Trump’s comments have triggered a political firestorm, intensifying an already polarised mayoral race.

Speaking to reporters at the White House lawn ahead of his visit to Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" detention centre, Trump said, “I think he’s terrible. He’s a communist. The last thing we need is a communist.” He added that if Mamdani is elected, “I’m going to have a lot of fun with him... he has to go through this building [White House] to get his money.”

In a veiled threat, Trump also warned that federal funding to New York City could be cut if Mamdani fails to “do the right thing” once in office. “If he gets in, I’m going to be president. He’s going to have to do the right thing or they’re not getting any money,” Trump stated bluntly during a Fox News interview.

The controversy stems from Mamdani’s surprise victory in the Democratic primary last week, where he defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. A Ugandan-born Muslim and Democratic socialist, Mamdani’s progressive platform — including calls to abolish billionaires and restructure public ownership of essential services — has earned him admiration on the left and fierce backlash from the right.

In response to Trump’s attacks, Mamdani appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press”, where he firmly denied being a communist. “No, I am not,” Mamdani said. “Trump wants to talk about how I look, how I sound, where I’m from — all to distract from what I’m fighting for: housing justice, economic equity, and dignity for working people.”

Mamdani has faced an escalating smear campaign, with some Republican leaders even calling for his deportation, despite his status as a naturalized American citizen. Meanwhile, Trump’s remarks that New Yorkers would be “crazy” to vote for a “communist who wants to run grocery stores and department stores” have drawn criticism for their alarmist and xenophobic overtones.

The 33-year-old Mamdani will contest the November general election against a crowded field, including:

• Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams (running as an independent),

• Curtis Sliwa, Republican and founder of the Guardian Angels,

• Jim Walden, former federal prosecutor,

• And potentially, Andrew Cuomo, who is rumoured to be considering an independent bid.

With Trump now openly wading into the New York mayoral race, the months ahead promise a volatile mix of ideology, identity, and political power struggle, with national implications.