Vice President JD Vance Questions NYC Candidate Zohran Mamdani
On Independence Day, Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for New York City, asking rhetorically, “Who do you think he is?”
Mamdani, who was born in Uganda, described the holiday as “beautiful” yet “contradictory” and “unfinished” in his sole post on July 4th. He finished with a nod to the notion of “No Kings,” referencing protests that occurred nationwide in June.
At the Claremont Institute’s Political Awards Dinner in Rancho Santa Fe, California, Vance highlighted the inconsistency of Mamdani’s sentiments, emphasizing his family’s immigrant background—people who had fled to the U.S. in search of a better life.
“Today is July 5th, 2025,” Vance remarked to attendees, reflecting on the previous day’s celebration of the nation’s 249th anniversary. He noted that, although candidates vying for leadership in one of America’s most significant cities rarely mention Independence Day, Mamdani had chosen that moment to express his thoughts, which Vance quoted directly.
Mamdani’s words were: “America is beautiful, contradictory, unfinished. We are proud of our country. We are constantly striving to make it better, protect and deepen our democracy, and fulfill our promises to all who call it home. Happy Independence Day. America has no king.”
Following the reading of Mamdani’s statement, Vance expressed a lack of gratitude for his words, feeling no obligation to those who have contributed to the country’s development and power. He pointed out that Mamdani’s family, of Indian descent, had to escape under the regime of former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.
Vance noted that Mamdani’s father fled Uganda due to the ethnic cleansing policies targeting the Indian community. He mentioned that Mamdani’s family found refuge in a country built by countless others, a land that provides safety from the ethnic violence seen in various parts of the world.
He asked if Mamdani had ever reflected on the sacrifices made by those who fought to create a society where his family could find safety. “Who do you think he is?” Vance concluded, prompting an enthusiastic response from the audience.
