As New Yorkers headed to the polls Tuesday, President Donald Trump issued a bold warning to Jewish voters — urging them not to support the city’s far-left Democrat mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani, calling him a “self-professed Jew hater.”
“Any Jewish voter who supports Zohran Mamdani — a man who has proudly declared his hatred for Jews — is making a foolish mistake.” — President Donald J. Trump, Truth Social, Tuesday
Trump Draws a Line: Support for Israel Is Non-Negotiable
President Trump’s message hit home for millions of Americans who believe Democrats have abandoned Israel and turned their backs on Jewish values. Mamdani, a Muslim democratic socialist known for his attacks on Israel during its war against Hamas in Gaza, has become one of the most divisive figures in New York politics.
His harsh criticism of Israel has angered many Jewish New Yorkers, especially as antisemitic crimes surge across the city. Under Democrat leadership, New York has seen hate crimes rise, crime worsen, and public trust in city leadership plummet.
Jewish Voters Are Turning Away From Democrats
While most Jewish voters have historically leaned Democrat, recent polls suggest that fewer than one-third of New York’s Jewish residents plan to vote for the party this time. Many now say they’re fed up with the left’s growing hostility toward Israel — and with politicians who refuse to stand with America’s strongest Middle Eastern ally.
Cuomo and Mamdani Caught in Controversy
Even former Democrat governor Andrew Cuomo stirred outrage when he brought up the 9/11 attacks while questioning Mamdani’s judgment during a live radio interview. “God forbid another 9/11,” Cuomo said. “Can you imagine Mamdani in the seat?”
The host responded, “He’d be cheering.” Cuomo laughed and replied, “That’s another problem.”
Mamdani called the exchange “disgusting,” but many voters said Cuomo was simply voicing what countless New Yorkers already believe — that the city’s leadership has drifted dangerously far from the values that once united it.
Trump’s Broader Message: “Democrats Hate Israel”
Trump’s warning isn’t new — it’s part of a pattern of honesty that many Jewish Americans say they respect. During his 2024 campaign, Trump famously said:
“If a Jewish voter supports the Democrat Party, they’re turning their back on their own faith and on Israel — and they ought to be ashamed of that choice.”
He’s consistently stood by Israel, strengthened ties with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and delivered historic peace deals in the Middle East — all while Democrats accused him of being “too pro-Israel.”
A Stark Choice for Jewish New Yorkers
Tuesday’s vote highlights a deep cultural divide. On one side are Trump’s America-First policies, unwavering support for Israel, and protection for Jewish Americans. On the other side are Democrats who, critics say, have allowed antisemitism to spread unchecked in major cities like New York.
As the polls close, one thing is clear: Jewish voters hold real power — and Trump’s blunt warning may echo far beyond New York City.