In a heated moment during a recent press interaction, Karoline Leavitt, national press secretary for Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, took direct aim at New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, describing his political ideology as “quite literally a communist” and warning that his potential election could “crush New York City.”

Leavitt’s comments came in response to a reporter’s question about whether former President Trump supports efforts to investigate or even deport Mamdani based on controversial lyrics he wrote in 2017, which some critics allege could amount to material support for terrorism.

“I haven’t heard him say that. I haven’t heard him call for that,” Leavitt said when asked whether Trump wants Mamdani deported. “But certainly, he does not want this individual to be elected.”

According to Leavitt, Trump, who she said has a strong personal connection to New York City, is alarmed by Mamdani’s “radical policies” and what she characterized as his anti-American stance.

“This is obviously a city that the president holds near and dear to his heart,” Leavitt continued. “And someone like Mamdani, with his extreme views, would completely crush New York City.”

The exchange highlights the increasing friction between progressive political figures and the Trump campaign, particularly in high-profile races such as the New York City mayoral contest. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and state assemblymember representing parts of Queens, has gained attention for his outspoken positions on police reform, Palestinian rights, and economic justice.

But it was Mamdani’s refusal to condemn the controversial phrase “globalize the intifada” during a recent appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press that seems to have drawn particular ire from the Trump camp.

“He was given three chances to condemn the phrase ‘globalize the intifada,’ but he couldn’t,” Leavitt said. “Someone who holds these values—and is quite literally a communist—condemns every value that makes this country great: common sense, law and order, low taxes, working hard, and earning your keep in this country.”

Leavitt left the door open for Trump to comment further on the matter, but cast doubt on the possibility that the former president could work with Mamdani if he were elected mayor.

“Look, the president is always willing to work with everyone,” she said. “He’s worked with Democrat governors, people on the far left, people in the middle, Republicans. He wants to do what’s right for America. But someone who is against everything America stands for? That would be difficult.”

Leavitt’s remarks came as some Republican lawmakers, including Congressman Andy Ogles, have pushed for U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to open a denaturalization investigation into Mamdani. Ogles cited Mamdani’s past lyrics as potentially violating federal laws that prohibit naturalization through concealment of material facts.

Asked about those efforts, Leavitt said she was not familiar with the details but suggested that if the allegations are true, they warrant a serious review.

“Surely if they are true, it’s something that should be investigated,” she said.

The explosive nature of Leavitt’s commentary—and the looming legal questions surrounding Mamdani’s past—have added fuel to an already combustible race. For Republicans, Mamdani represents what they view as a dangerous shift toward far-left politics in one of America’s largest cities. For progressives, Mamdani’s candidacy reflects a broader movement to reimagine urban governance and prioritize equity over the traditional power structures of City Hall.

Mamdani, for his part, has not publicly responded to Leavitt’s remarks. However, in past interviews, he has defended his advocacy for Palestinian rights and social justice, while pushing back against accusations of extremism.

Leavitt’s warning to New Yorkers concluded with a pointed message about the stakes in the upcoming election.

“Hopefully,” she said, “the voters of New York City choose wisely.”

As campaign season heats up and Trump eyes a return to the White House, his team appears ready to draw stark ideological battle lines—not just at the national level, but in local races where progressive momentum has been building. Whether this strategy will resonate beyond Trump’s base remains to be seen, but it’s clear the 2024 election cycle is shaping up to be one of the most ideologically polarized in recent memory.