On Monday, Rudy Giuliani gave what many would consider harsh “advice” to the newly elected Mayor Zoran Mamdani, suggesting he should simply step aside and find a different path.
Giuliani, who once served as the city’s mayor for two terms, labeled Mamdani—who identifies as a democratic socialist—a “communist straight out of Karl Marx.”
According to Giuliani, Mamdani is unsuited for the mayoral role, claiming he’s a “supporter of Islamic extremism.” This statement followed photos of Mamdani appearing alongside Imam Suraj Wahaj, known for his controversial views.
“The imam he’s been associating with has ties to terrorism,” Giuliani remarked about the image of Mamdani, who will be the city’s first Muslim mayor, smiling with Wahaj during his campaign.
“I’m not concerned that he’s a Muslim. It’s his apparent support for Islamic extremism that worries me,” Giuliani added.
Giuliani, a figure who played a significant role in New York during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and later became an attorney for Donald Trump, has since faced various controversies himself.
He received a pardon from the Trump administration regarding his attempts to challenge the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, which saw Joe Biden emerge victorious. Trump, however, returned to office following the 2024 election.
“Would the federal government give this guy a security clearance?” Giuliani questioned. “Zoran Mamdani poses a serious threat to national security. He’s a communist and has sympathies for Islamic terrorism.”
He criticized Mamdani’s stance on Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling these views as “anti-Semitic.”
Giuliani remarked, “Israel appears to be fixated on him,” referencing Mamdani’s support of the BDS movement against Israel.
“This movement aims to undermine Israel, and Mamdani stands out as one of the most prominent anti-Semites in the nation,” Giuliani expressed, clearly frustrated.
Giuliani then added another piece of advice for Mamdani: “Just love America.”
As for Mamdani, he has yet to respond to Giuliani’s strong accusations.
