Trump questions ‘communist’ Zohran Mamdani’s citizenship as he threatens to arrest him over ICE stance

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump ignited a political firestorm on Tuesday, July 1, after he threatened to arrest New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani if he follows through on his vow to end the city’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Speaking at a press conference in Florida, Trump blasted Mamdani’s platform and questioned the candidate’s citizenship without evidence, remarks that quickly drew condemnation from civil rights advocates and political observers.

Donald Trump threatens NYC Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani

Donald Trump didn’t waste time firing back after Zohran Mamdani vowed to “kick the fascist ICE out of New York City.” The president directly addressed the bold pledge, making it clear he wasn’t going to let that comment slide without a response.

“Well, then we’ll have to arrest him,” Trump declared.

He went on to label Mamdani, a progressive Democratic assemblyman from Queens, a “communist” and suggested he was in the country illegally. “Look, we don’t need a communist in this country,” Trump said. “But if we have one, I’m going to be watching over him very carefully on behalf of the nation.”

“A lot of people are saying he’s here illegally,” Trump claimed, offering no proof.

Mamdani was born in Uganda and immigrated to the US with his family in 1998. He became a naturalized US citizen in 2018.

Donald Trump throws support behind NYC mayor Eric Adams

Trump used the opportunity to throw his support behind current Mayor Eric Adams, calling him “a very good person” and praising his leadership despite being a Democrat.

“He still has a race to win… but so far, he’s winning. And he has an advantage as a Democrat in New York City,” Trump said. “You would think that a Republican would be able to win. You have a good independent running, Mayor Adams.”

Trump’s remarks followed a string of recent right-wing attacks on Mamdani, whose progressive platform includes limiting police cooperation with ICE and protecting undocumented immigrants from deportation.

Internet reacts after Donald Trump questions Zohran Mamdani’s citizenship and threatens arrest

President Donald Trump set off a political firestorm online after publicly questioning Zohran Mamdani’s citizenship status and suggesting he should be arrested. 

Supporters of Trump quickly echoed the call, “Mamdani’s arrest will be huge, but this needs to be widespread for meaningful long term change.”

“Good. If he breaks the law he should be arrested,” one wrote.

“Looking forward to this becoming a reality,” another commented.

One user, aligning with Trump’s stance, declared, “Arrest and deport Zohran!!”

Another added, “No one is above the law, especially a law-breaking communist.”

Summing up the mood among MAGA backers, one user wrote simply, “That's the Trump way.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.