Donald Trump has been called "delusional" for his response to a question about mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
The NYC mayoral elections take place today, and if the polls are correct, the 34-year-old could become the city's youngest-ever Muslim mayor.
Mamdani has gained national attention for his progressive platform and campaign that has focused on issues that will make the city more affordable for working-class New Yorkers, such as freezing rent, free public bus services, city-run grocery stores, universal childcare, and taxing billionaires and big corporations.
Of course, the candidate's rise and focus on the diverse needs of residents has not come without controversy, particularly from figures like Trump.
Zohran Mamdani is running for NYC mayor. Credit: Michael M. Santiago / Getty
Trump Shares His Thoughts On Mamdani
In a recent 60 Minutes interview, the 79-year-old was asked about Mamdani's candidacy, and his response has sparked backlash across social media.
When O’Donnell mentioned the politician's background as a Democratic Socialist, Trump quickly interrupted, calling him a "Communist" rather than a socialist, and labeling him "far worse than a socialist".
Trump was then asked if he saw any similarities between himself and Mamdani, given their charisma and challenge to political norms. His response left many viewers stunned: “Well, I think I’m a much better-looking person than him, right?”
Critics Slam Trump for "Delusional" Remarks
Many people took to social media to call Trump "delusional" and "narcissistic" for his comment. “Narcissists look in the mirror and genuinely see a good-looking person and believe everyone will be stunned by their level of attraction," one user slammed.
Another chimed in: "Donald Trump thinking he’s good looking is all the proof you need that he’s delusional." A third shared a similar message: "Oh my gosh Trump thinks he is better looking than Mamdani. I mean the delusion is just too much!"
Zohran Mamdani's campaign has been focused on affordability. Credit: Stephanie Keith / Getty
Mamdani Responds To Trump
Mamdani has since responded to the president's comments and threat to withhold federal funding from New York City if he wins the election.
In a statement, he made it clear that his administration would not back down from any challenges.
"What we have seen in cities and states across the country is the necessity of, not just using the bully pulpit but also the courts, to ensure that every dollar that a municipality is owed is a dollar that is paid," he said, cited by Fox News.
He added: "And I will take every single day, after this election, to put together my city government, my city hall, to ensure that it is prepared not only for the threats from Donald Trump, but also the threats from an affordability crisis that has put one in four New Yorkers in poverty."
Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji's love story began on hinge. Credit: Michael M. Santiago / Getty
In the same 60 Minutes interview, Trump also made a surprising comment about his preferred candidate in the race.
When asked about the other major contenders - Andrew Cuomo, the former governor running as an independent, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa - the president revealed he would choose Cuomo over Mamdani.
"I'm not a fan of Cuomo one way or the other, but if it's going to be between a bad Democrat and a communist, I'm going to pick that bad Democrat all the time, to be honest with you," he explained.
This unexpected endorsement of Cuomo by Trump did not go unnoticed by Mamdani. In response, the candidate fired back, saying: "Late last night, Andrew Cuomo received Donald Trump's endorsement... If elected as mayor, our city will only descend deeper into a darkness that has forced too many of our neighbors to flee and made it impossible for working people to live lives of dignity."
Despite Trump’s apparent disdain for Mamdani, the young candidate’s campaign continues to gain momentum, and he could very well be on the path to victory.