As voters in New York City went to the polls on Tuesday, President Trump urged Jewish residents not to back Zoran Mamdani, the city’s Democratic mayoral candidate, rebuking those who would support him by calling them “stupid.”
“Jews who vote for Zoran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed Jew-hater, are idiots!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Mamdani, who has been vocal about his critiques of Israel and the situation in Gaza, faces significant backlash from some in the Jewish community in New York, many of whom have strong connections to Israel. His criticisms come at a time when anti-Semitic incidents have reportedly increased in the city.
Although a large portion of Jewish voters traditionally align with the Democratic party, fewer than one-third indicated they would support a Democratic candidate in the recent election, as per recent polling data.
The Muslim democratic socialist has been actively seeking to gain the support of Jewish voters since winning his party’s primary earlier this summer.
He has been targeted by anti-Muslim rhetoric—predominantly from the political right—with some even advocating for his deportation. Congressman Brandon Gill (R-Texas) once remarked, “Go back to the Third World,” while Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) referred to him disparagingly as “Little Muhammad.”
Some comments related to Mamdani’s religion were also made indirectly. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D), who is now running as an independent after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary, faced criticism last month for referencing the 9/11 attacks during a discussion about Mamdani.
“On any given morning, there’s a crisis and people’s lives are at risk,” Cuomo said in a radio interview, implying that Mamdani may not respond adequately in such situations. He later added, with a laugh, “Can you imagine Mamdani sitting there?”
To which the radio host suggested, “You can do that. He’ll support you.”
Mamdani subsequently criticized Cuomo’s remarks, labeling them as “simply disgusting.”
Trump’s warning to Jewish New Yorkers isn’t the first instance where he’s implied that Jews who support candidates critical of Israel are acting against their own interests. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump asserted that Jewish voters aligned with Democrats show a certain disdain for Israel.
Trump stated in a 2024 interview, “Actually, I think they hate Israel. I think they hate Israel, and the Democratic Party hates Israel, too.” He also added that Jewish individuals voting for Democrats should feel shame as “Israel will be destroyed.”
Mamdani’s campaign did not reply to requests for comment.
