Jesse Watters says Zohran Mamdani’s NYC thermostat advice is ‘how communism starts’

WASHINGTON, DC: Fox News host Jesse Watters took aim at Zohran Mamdani after the New York City mayor encouraged residents to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees to help conserve energy. 

Speaking from the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, on Thursday, July 2, Watters argued that the request reflected a slippery slope toward government control.

The remarks came as New York braces for what is expected to be one of its hottest Fourth of July holidays in two decades, with temperatures forecast to climb above 100 degrees.

Jesse Watters calls Zohran Mamdani's request 'a slippery slope'

On 'The Five', Watters mocked Mamdani's request, suggesting that a simple appeal to conserve energy could eventually lead to broader government restrictions.

"First they tell you how cold to keep your room," Watters said. "And then they can tell you how much *** you can have. It's a slippery slope; they're gonna say one-child policy next. This is how communism starts; they start rationing things."

Watters' comments quickly added to the growing criticism from several Republican figures who also objected to Mamdani's message.

Republican leaders criticize Mamdani's energy conservation request

Mamdani had asked New York residents earlier this week to set their thermostats to 78 degrees in an effort to reduce pressure on the city's power grid during the extreme heat. 

"New York: it’s hot out there, and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool. Set your AC to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics you’re not using, and unplug what you can," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). 

"Our City is doing its part too: maintaining the 78 degrees rule in our buildings, dimming/turning off our lights during peak electricity demand, asking private partners to do the same, and powering down non-essential equipment," the democratic socialist noted. "A stable grid means the AC stays on, and lives are saved. Let's ease demand — and get through the heat — together."

The request, however, drew criticism from Republicans, who argued that energy production — not conservation — should be the focus.

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy wrote on X, "This is what socialism looks like, folks. The right answer isn't restrictions or mandates. It's drilling, fracking, coal, & nuclear. That's how we'll roll in Ohio."

Sen Lindsey Graham also weighed in, writing on X, "First AOC tried to come for your steak and ribs and now the Socialist Democrats are coming for your AC. This is the future that WOKE Democrats want not just for NYC but for South Carolina too!"

Mamdani's request was voluntary

Despite the political backlash, Mamdani did not issue any legally binding order requiring residents to reduce electricity use.

His message was presented as a voluntary request aimed at helping prevent the city's electrical grid from becoming overloaded during the ongoing heatwave.

Requests like Mamdani's are also not unique to NYC.

Similar appeals have been made by other states and municipalities during periods of extreme temperatures.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas, for example, has previously asked residents to conserve electricity during periods of unusually high demand.