Following a press conference at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump made strong and controversial remarks about immigration, law enforcement, and New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. The exchange came after reporters asked Trump about his earlier comments labeling Mamdani a “communist.”
Trump’s Sharp Words for Zohran Mamdani and New York City
Trump said he hoped New York City would do well, but warned that his administration could take major action if crime rates increase under Mamdani’s leadership. He suggested that his administration might cut federal infrastructure projects and city support, saying, “If he’s a communist, you know, we won’t have much activity. We won’t need bridges and tunnels and all the different things planned for New York.”
Even while criticizing Zohran Mamdani, Trump emphasized his personal ties to the city. He said, “I love New York. I grew up in New York. I did well in New York. I hope New York does well.” But he quickly shifted his tone, warning that his administration will intensify ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations to remove undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Trump’s repeated mention of Zohran Mamdani during the press briefing drew national attention, highlighting the political tension between the White House and progressive lawmakers in New York.
“We Want Criminals Out”: Trump Defends ICE Raids and Mentions Mamdani
When asked whether ICE deportations would continue, President Donald Trump made it clear they would not only continue but also expand. “You want to get criminals out. If they’re criminals, we want to get them out,” he said.
Trump explained that local governments — including those led by officials like Zohran Mamdani — should help remove dangerous individuals. However, since that cooperation was “unlikely,” he said the federal government would act independently. His comments reflected a tough, no-compromise stance on immigration enforcement, particularly in sanctuary cities such as New York.
Trump accused the Biden administration of allowing “millions of people from prisons and mental institutions” to enter the country. He called it an “open border disaster.” He shared specific figures to support his claim. Trump said there were “11,888 murderers — half of them committed more than one murder.”
Zohran Mamdani defeats Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa to win New York mayoral race
The President said his administration’s top priority is to remove murderers, drug dealers, and repeat offenders. He emphasized that this effort is especially focused on cities like New York, where Zohran Mamdani represents a large immigrant community in Queens. “We want to put them back in their jails, not our jails,” Trump added.
Trump also highlighted what he described as recent safety improvements under his administration. He compared current conditions to those in Washington D.C. and Memphis, saying both cities have become safer and more vibrant. “It was a death trap before. Now people walk down the street, have dinner, restaurants are booming,” he said.
Trump’s comments, along with his criticism of Zohran Mamdani, marked a renewed federal push for tougher immigration enforcement in New York and other major cities.
Political Heat Grows as Zohran Mamdani Faces Trump’s Fire
Trump’s remarks quickly sparked a political storm in New York. This came especially because Zohran Mamdani has been an outspoken critic of strict immigration enforcement. Mamdani, a Democratic Assemblyman from Astoria, Queens, supports sanctuary city policies. These policies limit cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities.
By calling Mamdani a “communist” and warning of “drastic action” against New York City, Trump triggered a wave of reactions. His comments pushed Zohran Mamdani into the center of a national debate over immigration, policing, and federal authority.
Political analysts say Trump’s repeated mentions of Mamdani reflect a broader effort to challenge progressive lawmakers who oppose ICE operations. Trump’s approach signals a renewed hardline stance on border security and public safety — particularly targeting large Democratic-led cities.
ICE operations have already been stepped up in several states, including New York, Texas, and California. Federal officials insist the raids focus on individuals with criminal records. However, immigrant-rights groups warn that such actions can cause fear among law-abiding families and disrupt communities.
Despite criticism, Trump stood firm. “If they have murderers, if they have people from jails that they allowed out of their jails in order to save a lot of money, we want them out of here,” he said. The President’s words underscored his belief that cities like New York should not shelter offenders.
Meanwhile, Zohran Mamdani has not directly responded to Trump’s comments at the White House, but his name continues to appear in headlines as Trump’s focus on New York intensifies. The clash between Trump and Zohran Mamdani highlights how immigration enforcement has once again become one of the most explosive political issues in America — with New York City right at its center.