In a sharp escalation ahead of New York’s mayoral election, US President Donald Trump called Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani a “self-professed Jew hater,” adding that “any Jewish person who votes for him is stupid.” The remarks, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account just as voting began, have injected fresh controversy into a closely watched race already marked by tensions over religion, identity, and foreign policy views.

A sharp attack in the final hours of the race

Trump’s post came as New Yorkers cast ballots in an election that could make Mamdani — a 34-year-old Muslim lawmaker and democratic socialist — the city’s first Muslim mayor. The city is home to the country’s largest Jewish and Muslim communities, adding further significance to the contest.The president has repeatedly criticised Mamdani over recent months, calling him “a communist” and “a total nutjob,” while questioning his views on Israel and national security. On the eve of the election, Trump took the unusual step of endorsing independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, the former Democratic governor, instead of Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa — a decision that underscored his desire to prevent a Mamdani victory.In his Truth Social post, Trump accused Mamdani of “hating Israel” and said Jewish voters who support him were “betraying their own community.”

Mamdani’s record and the Israel debate

Mamdani, who represents Queens in the New York State Assembly, has faced criticism for his views on Israel and Palestine. He has argued that Israel should not exist as a specifically Jewish state and has spoken in support of Palestinian rights. He was also criticised for not initially condemning the slogan “globalise the intifada,” though he later said he would discourage its use.