- Trump lashes out at NYC mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani for vowing to arrest Israeli PM Netanyahu.
- Mamdani cites ICC warrant over Gaza war crimes; Trump dismisses it as “not serious.”
- Trump warns of funding consequences if Mamdani wins and doesn’t “behave.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred political tensions after fiercely criticizing New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a progressive mayoral candidate, over his recent pledge to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York City.
At a press event preceding a private dinner with Netanyahu, Trump warned that if Mamdani were to win New York’s mayoral race, he would need to “behave” to secure federal funding from Washington.
Tensions Rise as Trump Targets Mamdani Over Netanyahu Arrest Remarks
Zohran Mamdani, a Ugandan-born, Indian-origin lawmaker and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has built his platform on bold progressive policies such as housing reform and tenant protections. His recent stance on holding foreign leaders accountable for human rights violations reflects a broader shift among young American leftists who are increasingly vocal on international justice and Palestinian rights. Critics argue his call to arrest Netanyahu is symbolic, as municipal authorities have no jurisdiction over international warrants.
The International Criminal Court issued the warrant against Netanyahu in May 2025, citing alleged war crimes committed during Israeli military operations in Gaza. While the U.S. does not recognize the ICC’s authority over its citizens or allies, Mamdani’s statement reflects growing domestic calls to reconsider the country’s selective approach to international law. His position has won praise from some advocacy groups but sparked intense backlash from pro-Israel voices.
Trump’s harsh rhetoric toward Mamdani underscores his effort to consolidate support among conservative voters and pro-Israel constituencies ahead of the 2026 midterms. By framing Mamdani as a radical threat, Trump seeks to capitalize on fears of progressive governance in America’s largest city. He emphasized the power of the federal purse, suggesting that a Mamdani-led New York could face financial isolation if it defies the White House’s stance on Israel.
The controversy also highlights the increasingly globalized nature of local U.S. politics, where international conflicts influence municipal debates. Mamdani’s remarks, though unprecedented, mark a bold political strategy aimed at reshaping New York’s role on the global stage. Whether that approach resonates with voters remains to be seen, but it has already drawn national attention and ignited fierce partisan discourse.
The clash between Trump and Mamdani underscores the deepening divide in U.S. politics over Israel, accountability, and free speech. As Mamdani’s mayoral campaign gains visibility, so too does the scrutiny—and the stakes.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
