President Donald Trump sparked controversy after threatening legal action against Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani during remarks made in Florida, drawing a sharp rebuke from New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “He’s picking a fight with 20 million New Yorkers,” Hochul warned, in response to Trump’s remarks regarding Mamdani’s stance on immigration enforcement.
While speaking to reporters, Trump was asked about Mamdani’s pledge to block ICE agents who conceal their identities while conducting deportations. Trump replied, “Well then, we’ll have to arrest him.”
Referring to Mamdani, who has been vocal about his democratic socialist platform and immigrant protections, Trump added, “We don’t need a communist in this country, but if we have one, I’m going to be watching over him very carefully on behalf of the nation.”
Although Hochul has not endorsed Mamdani’s mayoral bid, she quickly stood up for the Queens legislator following Trump’s threat. “I don’t care if you’re the President of the United States, if you threaten to unlawfully go after one of our neighbors, you’re picking a fight with 20 million New Yorkers — starting with me,” she posted on X.
On Tuesday, Mamdani officially secured the Democratic nomination for mayor, prevailing over Andrew Cuomo with 56% to 44% in the final round of the city’s ranked-choice vote tally.
Following Trump’s comments, Mamdani released a statement saying, “The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested.” He added defiantly, “We will not accept this intimidation.”

{Matzav.com}