White House Says It Would Be “Difficult” to Work with NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani

White House criticizes Zohran Mamdani

Mamdani ruffles feathers in White House

NY candidate sparks tension with Trump

The White House acknowledged on Monday, June 30, that President Donald Trump would find it “difficult” to collaborate with Zohran Mamdani, the presumptive Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City, whom Trump has publicly labeled a “communist.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump is willing to work with everyone, including left-wing figures, but emphasized that Mamdani represents values opposed to those of the country.

The comment comes after Mamdani, a state legislator and activist of Ugandan descent, defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, the establishment favorite, in the Democratic primary.

So reported EFE.

White House Criticizes Zohran Mamdani

White House says it will be “difficult” to work with “communist” Zohran Mamdani if he becomes NYC mayor. https://t.co/YwF89o6QM6

— AlbertoRodNews (@AlbertoRodNews) June 30, 2025

During her daily briefing, Leavitt declared: “He’s a communist who condemns every value that defines this country: common sense, law and order, low taxes, hard work, and earning a living. He’s against all of that.”

She added that, if Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor, it would be challenging for the president to maintain a working relationship with someone holding such ideological views.

The remarks reflect the escalating confrontation between the Trump administration and figures from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, who have gained increasing visibility and support in local elections.

As highlighted by EFE.

What Mamdani Said

?? | #DiarioLibreUSA | Zohran Mamdani, caught between criticism from Washington and local support after winning the Democratic primary

?https://t.co/PHnXr5CD8t#DiarioLibre #Noticias #ZohranMamdani #NY #CasaBlanca #DebatePolítico #USA #Ciudadanía pic.twitter.com/FQyXLnLw9v

— Diario Libre (@DiarioLibre) June 30, 2025

The African-born politician sparked controversy after stating on Meet the Press that: “We shouldn’t have billionaires” in a society plagued by inequality.

Zohran Mamdani explained he seeks a fairer city for everyone, even while working alongside wealthy individuals, but emphasized the need for a more equitable redistribution of wealth.

He’s also facing a separate controversy: a Republican congresswoman has requested an investigation into whether he could lose his citizenship due to rap lyrics allegedly tied to support for terrorism.

Press Secretary Leavitt responded that the president will comment further if the authenticity of those lyrics is confirmed.

ALSO OF INTEREST: Zohran Mamdani Wins Democratic Primary in New York