New York City’s Democratic Mayoral Candidate Zoran Mamdani’s First Fox News Interview

Democratic mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani made his debut on Fox News on Wednesday, appearing in an extensive interview with host Martha McCallum. The discussion came just before the first general election debate featuring Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.

Here are the key points from Mamdani’s first interview on Fox News.

1. Apology to NYPD

During the interview, McCallum asked if Mamdani would publicly apologize for comments he made about the New York City Police Department back in 2020, where he labeled the department as “racist, anti-gay, and a threat to public safety.” Mamdani mentioned he’d expressed remorse privately to some officers. However, McCallum noted that those officers were looking for a wider public acknowledgment. When pressed, Mamdani agreed, addressing the camera: “I’d like to apologize to them here. I know these officers risk their lives every day. And I’ll be mayor.”

2. Message to Trump

Mamdani responded to President Trump’s recent remarks questioning his qualifications, stating, “I’m not going to be a mayor like Mayor Adams, who makes phone calls to stay out of jail.” Looking directly at the camera again, he remarked, “I can handle things myself, and I’m committed to lowering the cost of living in the city.” He expressed readiness to collaborate with anyone to achieve a more affordable New York City, indirectly criticizing both Adams and Cuomo.

3. Netanyahu’s Potential Arrest

Mamdani reiterated his commitment to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit New York if he becomes mayor. “This city believes in international law,” he stated. McCallum reminded him that the U.S. doesn’t comply with the International Criminal Court’s warrant for Netanyahu related to alleged war crimes during the Gaza conflict. Mamdani suggested he supports the warrant but wouldn’t seek to create new laws to enforce it.

4. Hamas’s Future

When asked about Hamas’s role in Gaza during his interview, Mamdani diverted, focusing instead on affordability for New Yorkers and the necessity of peace in the region. McCallum pressed him again, but he remained noncommittal about Hamas’s future, emphasizing that both Hamas and the Israeli military should adhere to international law.

5. Timing on Ceasefire Acknowledgment

Initial questions centered around whether Mamdani would credit Trump for any ceasefire agreements between Israel and Hamas. Mamdani expressed caution, saying it felt premature to bestow any praise given the situation’s ongoing nature. He concluded that if the ceasefire proves to be lasting, that’s when credit could be warranted.