From Kampala to City Hall
Born in Uganda, Mamdani came to the U.S. in 1998 at age seven. After years as a permanent resident, he became a U.S. citizen in 2018, paving the way for his political career.
But his rise has sparked a fierce backlash from conservative figures — including President Donald Trump, who has publicly questioned Mamdani’s legitimacy and citizenship status.
Trump Escalates the Attack
After Mamdani vowed in June 2025 to “stop masked ICE agents from deporting our neighbors,” Trump responded sharply, saying, “Well then, we’ll have to arrest him.”
The president later claimed — without evidence — that Mamdani was in the country illegally, calling him “a communist” on social media and warning that he would “have problems with Washington like no Mayor in history.”
On Truth Social, Trump wrote that Mamdani’s leadership would “prove to be one of the best things to ever happen to the Republican Party,” adding, “He won’t be getting any of my money.”
Denaturalization Calls from Congress
The rhetoric didn’t stop there. Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles called for Mamdani to be investigated and stripped of his citizenship, alleging — again, without proof — that he lied on his naturalization forms and supported “terroristic ideologies.”
However, legal experts and fact-checkers have dismissed those claims. According to PolitiFact, there is “no credible evidence that Mamdani lied on his citizenship application,” and denaturalization can only occur through a court order, not presidential decree.
Mamdani Pushes Back
In a statement posted to X, Mamdani hit back:
“The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, and deported — not because I broke any law, but because I refuse to let ICE terrorize our city.”
He added, “This is an attack on democracy itself. To get to any of us, they will have to get through all of us.”
What’s Next for NYC’s New Mayor?
As Mamdani prepares to take office, his administration will begin under unprecedented tension. Yet his supporters say his resolve and message of unity have only grown stronger amid the controversy.
What do you think about the escalating clash between President Trump and Zohran Mamdani? Do you see this as a test of democracy or a political showdown? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word — let’s get the conversation started!