Israel’s allies outraged as radical pro-intifada mayor seeks influence despite defending Palestinian terror narratives.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a blistering rebuke of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, bluntly labeling him “a communist” ahead of his scheduled Oval Office meeting. Her remarks underscored rising national alarm over a figure whose political record is deeply intertwined with anti-Israel agitation and open sympathy toward Palestinian extremism.
Leavitt said it was “telling” that a man who champions pro-intifada rhetoric is soon walking into the nation’s most secure office—an outcome she pinned directly on the Democratic Party’s ideological lurch. She contrasted this with President Trump’s willingness to engage even hostile political actors “for the good of the American people,” despite Mamdani representing a city “turning far more radical than Trump ever imagined.”
Trump confirmed the meeting on Truth Social, emphasizing that Mamdani himself requested it. The President once again called him a “Communist,” noting he agreed to the sit-down despite Mamdani’s consistent demonization of Israel and shameless refusal to condemn Palestinian violence.
Mamdani’s victory shocked many Jewish and pro-Israel communities. He infamously attacked Israel the day after Hamas massacred Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, refused to reject the genocidal call to “globalize the intifada,” and repeatedly accused Israel of “war crimes” while ignoring Hamas atrocities. His vow to arrest Prime Minister Netanyahu if he enters New York remains one of the most inflammatory threats ever issued by a U.S. mayor.
Trump had endorsed Andrew Cuomo one day before the election, warning that a Mamdani victory would invite substantial federal funding cuts. After Mamdani’s win, Trump warned he must “be very nice” to the administration, hinting that Washington holds critical leverage over New York’s future.
With Mamdani now preparing to walk into the White House, observers warn that allowing a pro-Palestinian radical who echoes the rhetoric of Arab regimes that perpetuate endless conflict may legitimise the very movements that threaten U.S.-Israel strategic cooperation.
