GG News Bureau
New York, 8th July: Former U.S. President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Indian-origin Democratic Socialist and New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani on Monday, accusing him of anti-Jewish views and issuing a veiled threat over future federal funding if Mamdani becomes the next mayor of New York City.
Trump’s comments came ahead of a private dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in response to Mamdani’s controversial vow to arrest Netanyahu should he visit New York City, citing an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant issued against the Israeli leader for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
“He’s not a socialist, he’s a communist. And he’s said some really bad things about Jewish people,” Trump said, adding, “He might win, but he’ll need the money through the White House. He’s going to behave. He better behave, otherwise he’s going to have big problems.”
Mamdani, 33, a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, has made headlines in recent weeks for advocating tough actions against Netanyahu and aligning himself with the growing left-wing movement within the Democratic Party. The Queens Assemblyman, who is of Ugandan-Indian heritage, is seen as a rising star among progressive Democrats and a potential contender in New York’s upcoming mayoral election in November.
When asked about Mamdani’s remarks, Netanyahu appeared unfazed. “I’m not concerned about that,” he told reporters, only to be interrupted by Trump, who added, “I’ll get him out.”
“There’s enough craziness in the world, but I guess it never ends. This is appalling, and it’s silly in many ways because it’s just not serious,” Netanyahu said, brushing off Mamdani’s pledge.
Netanyahu is expected to visit New York later this year if he addresses the UN General Assembly in September, and may return in 2026 if Trump secures a second term and the two leaders meet again.
