Zohran Mamdani Faces Criticism from Eric Trump After Election Victory

Eric Trump, the son of former US President Donald Trump, has publicly targeted Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected Mayor of New York City, alleging that he 'hates the Indian population.' During an interview with Fox News, Trump described Mamdani as 'a socialist communist' intent on nationalising grocery stores and arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while also claiming that he harbours animosity towards both Jewish and Indian communities.

In his remarks, Eric Trump urged Mamdani to concentrate on fundamental issues such as ensuring safe and clean streets and maintaining reasonable taxation, asserting that New York could thrive without extensive government intervention. He suggested that the election of a left-leaning leader like Mamdani is indicative of a troubling trend, stating that 'far-left policies are undermining major American cities.'

Mamdani, at 34 years old, is set to become New York City's first Muslim and South Asian mayor, marking a significant milestone for immigrant representation and progressive politics. Born to Ugandan-Indian parents, he has championed reforms aimed at addressing social and economic disparities. His election victory has drawn both celebration and criticism, particularly from conservative factions.

Political analysts suggest that Eric Trump's comments reflect a broader effort among Republicans to incite concerns among voters who may view Mamdani as a disruptor of traditional norms. The assertion that Mamdani 'hates the Indian population' fits into a narrative seeking to frame the mayor-elect as a radical socialist whose policies could jeopardise the city's stability.

While Mamdani has not directly addressed the specific accusation of hatred, he has a history of rebuffing personal attacks from his political adversaries. Earlier this year, he condemned Donald Trump's insinuations regarding his citizenship and threats of deportation linked to his stance on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, labelling them as an abuse of power and vowing to remain steadfast in his political mission.

In his critique, Eric Trump also associated Mamdani with other progressive figures, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, referencing her pivotal role in derailing Amazon's proposed headquarters in New York, which he claimed would have created numerous high-paying jobs. 'They were going to bring tens and tens of thousands of high-paying jobs to New York City and she ran them out like absolute dogs, right?' he remarked.

Mamdani’s inauguration is set for January 1, 2026, and he will break several historical barriers including becoming the youngest mayor in over a century. His victory over Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa signifies the most left-leaning administration in New York City in generations, as well as the first mayor of Muslim and South Asian descent who was born in Africa.

During his Election Night celebration, Mamdani addressed Donald Trump directly, stating, 'Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up,' asserting that he would represent the city that 'gave rise to him.'