Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s Democratic mayoral nominee, refused to respond to questions Friday morning about criticism from opponents who have labeled him a communist, as reported [1] by Fox News.
The encounter took place outside Mamdani’s apartment in Queens, where Fox News Digital asked whether he intended to walk back any of his controversial far-left statements.
“Do you have any response to those who label you a communist?” Mamdani was asked. “Do you plan on walking back any statements when you meet with [House] leader Jeffries like seizing the means of production?”
He did not answer and instead laughed off the questions without comment.
Here’s the exchange.
Mamdani is pressed on whether he still supports his past positions. He doesn’t answer directly. Great reporting by @AndyMarkMiller [2] pic.twitter.com/rbMsuaMt4Z [3]
— Will Ricciardella (@WillRicci) July 18, 2025 [4]
The mayoral race continues to intensify between Mamdani, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
President Donald Trump weighed in earlier this week, calling Mamdani “a 100% Communist Lunatic” in a post on Truth Social.
“It’s finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line,” Trump wrote.
“We’ve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he’s not very smart, he’s got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, is groveling over him.”
Trump added, “Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!”
Trump’s first Truth Social post about Mamdani: pic.twitter.com/IbMrQGKVDV [5]
— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) June 25, 2025 [6]
Donald Trump Jr. echoed his father’s concerns in an interview with Fox News Digital, warning of what Mamdani’s election would mean for the city.
“It could be the greatest marketing campaign for Florida,” Trump Jr. said. “But what happens to New York then? If this communist mayor gets elected, rock bottom is what New York’s going to see.”
Mayor Eric Adams also referenced Mamdani’s past remarks, including a tweet from May 2020 quoting Karl Marx: “Each according to their need, each according to their ability.” Adams reposted it on July 7, noting it was a direct quote from The Communist Manifesto.
Resurfaced footage of Mamdani has gained renewed attention. In one clip, he criticizes the current housing system and suggests alternatives that some interpret as advocating for the abolition of private property.
