Zohran Mamdani Claps Back at White House Name Flub with Viral TikTok

In a fiery and viral moment, Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic socialist running for mayor of New York City, didn’t hold back when the White House press secretary stumbled over his name. During a recent briefing, Karoline Leavitt referred to him as 'Zamdani,' prompting Mamdani to clap back with a TikTok video that’s taken the internet by storm. Set to the beat of Gwen Stefani’s 'Hollaback Girl,' he spelled it out loud and clear: M-A-M-D-A-N-I. Talk about making a name for yourself—literally.

The incident unfolded as Leavitt commented on President Donald Trump’s stance on the NYC mayoral race, warning that Mamdani’s potential victory would be a 'disaster' for both the city and the nation. Labeling him a 'known Communist' with radical views on private property and police funding, the White House made it clear they’re not rooting for him in November. Meanwhile, Trump himself has been vocal on social media and in interviews, vowing to prevent what he calls a 'Communist lunatic' from taking over New York.

Yet, Mamdani isn’t just fighting mispronunciations—he’s carving out a historic path. If elected, he’d be the first Muslim and first millennial mayor of NYC, a milestone that’s resonating with a younger, chronically online electorate. His social media game is on point, with TikTok and Instagram posts racking up millions of views, complete with celebrity cameos and influencer-style edits. This isn’t just a campaign; it’s a cultural moment.

On the political front, Mamdani has been busy in Washington, meeting with heavyweights like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who hosted a skill-sharing event for him, alongside other progressive 'Squad' members and Sen. Bernie Sanders, both early endorsers. However, top Democrats like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have yet to throw their weight behind him, signaling a cautious approach within the party.

Back in NYC, Mamdani also faced off with former Gov. Andrew Cuomo during the primary debates, once again correcting a name flub with sharp precision. While Cuomo, now running as an independent, lost the primary but gained a nod from Trump, Mamdani’s camp was quick to jab at the endorsement, questioning whether Cuomo would embrace Trump’s support publicly or keep it under wraps.

As this race heats up, it’s clear Mamdani isn’t just running for office—he’s running a movement. Whether it’s through viral videos or progressive policies, he’s tapping into a generational shift that could redefine New York politics. November can’t come soon enough.