Natasha Cloud, a player for the New York Liberty, recently expressed her support for Zoran Mamdani, a self-identified socialist, following his success in the recent mayoral primaries. Known for her outspoken political views, Cloud took to social media to celebrate Mamdani’s Democratic win on Wednesday. She shared a post containing one of his frequently used quotes and later echoed sentiments about the celebration of Mamdani’s achievement.
On June 18, Cloud further engaged with Mamdani’s controversial reception by reposting a video addressing accusations of anti-Semitism aimed at him. In her own words, she stated, “If I wasn’t a PA resident, he would absolutely get my vote.” In an interview, she conveyed that Mamdani’s victory instilled in her a sense of “human hope.” Cloud acknowledged that Mamdani, being a Muslim and a socialist, endures significant negative public relations, yet she believes in the importance of government support for dignified living for all individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds.
She remarked that seeing change is empowering, and it has rekindled her hope in humanity and civic engagement amidst the current political landscape. Cloud has become a polarizing figure in the league, particularly over her criticisms of former President Donald Trump.
Cloud reacted to recent US military actions against Iranian facilities, initially expressing sadness on social media, where she noted the implications of who bears the brunt of such decisions. Following Trump’s abolition of DEI programs, she argued that systemic power remains unchallenged because it was designed to benefit a select group. In her view, society often prioritizes profit over people—a sentiment she emphasized through her social media posts.
Furthermore, Cloud has stirred controversy regarding WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark. Reflecting on last year’s heated discussions about various incidents during games, Cloud highlighted racial undertones she perceives in how players are treated. During a recent matchup against Clark’s Indiana Fever, she notably defended Clark, illustrating the intense nature of competition intertwining with broader social narratives.
