NYC Mayor Race: Mamdani Silent on 'Communist' Label, Dodges Radical Position Questions

ASTORIA, N.Y. - In a heated race for New York City mayor, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani is facing intense scrutiny over his political positions, with critics, including prominent figures like former President Donald Trump and his son Donald Trump Jr., branding him a 'communist.' When approached outside his Queens apartment, Mamdani dodged questions about these labels and whether he intends to retract any of his more radical statements, such as past comments on seizing the means of production. His response? A series of laughs, but no answers.

The mayoral race is shaping up to be a battle of ideologies, with Mamdani pitted against heavyweights like incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Critics have seized on Mamdani’s past rhetoric, including a 2020 tweet echoing Marxist principles and resurfaced videos where he advocates for universal housing, even if it means abolishing private property. These statements have fueled accusations of socialism—or worse—from political opponents.

Trump took to Truth Social to lambast Mamdani, calling him a '100% Communist Lunatic' and warning of dire consequences for New York if he’s elected. Trump Jr. chimed in, suggesting Mamdani’s potential win could be the 'greatest marketing campaign for Florida,' as disillusioned New Yorkers flee south. Even Mayor Adams has pointedly referenced Mamdani’s ideological leanings, quoting Karl Marx in response to the nominee’s past posts.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) didn’t hold back either, accusing Mamdani of peddling 'communist ideas' straight out of Marx’s playbook. Meanwhile, as Mamdani prepares to meet with House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the pressure is mounting for him to clarify—or walk back—his controversial stances. Will he address the elephant in the room, or continue to laugh it off? New Yorkers are waiting for answers.