In a stunning and controversial political escalation, prominent Republican groups and far-right figures are calling on President Donald Trump to revoke the U.S. citizenship of Zohran Mamdani—a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist and newly elected Democratic nominee for New York City Mayor. Mamdani made history on June 25, 2025, by defeating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. However, his resounding victory has triggered intense backlash from conservative quarters, who are labeling him a threat to American values, national security, and the “soul of New York.”
Who is Zohran Mamdani?
Zohran Kwame Mamdani is a Ugandan-born, Queens-based politician, filmmaker, and community organizer. He immigrated to the U.S. as a child and became a naturalized citizen in 2018. A self-proclaimed democratic socialist, Mamdani first rose to political prominence as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing Astoria, Queens. His platform emphasizes bold progressive policies such as rent control, public transportation reform, free municipal services, and aggressive taxation on the wealthy. His mayoral campaign gained traction among working-class New Yorkers, immigrant communities, and left-leaning voters.
The Republican Backlash
1. Communist Control Act Cited
The New York Young Republican Club (NYYRC) issued a public statement invoking the Communist Control Act of 1954, a Cold War-era law that was designed to bar communists from holding positions of influence. While the act has been deemed unenforceable by courts, Republicans argue Mamdani’s policy agenda is so radical that it falls under the statute. The NYYRC accused him of trying to “destroy New York City from within” and demanded denaturalization and deportation.
Former President Donald Trump amplified these calls on his Truth Social account, calling Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic,” and claiming “he wants to replace American greatness with foreign radicalism.”
2. Immigration and ICE Conflict
One of Mamdani’s key proposals—removing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from New York City—sparked outrage from Republican leaders. Mamdani described ICE as a “fascist institution” and vowed to make NYC a true sanctuary city.
Trump’s border advisor Tom Homan rejected this stance, asserting that federal law overrides local ordinances. “It’s game on. We will triple down on ICE in cities like this,” Homan warned. Republicans view Mamdani’s anti-ICE rhetoric as indicative of a broader threat posed by pro-immigrant, leftist politicians.
3. Allegations of Extremism and Anti-Semitism
Tennessee Republican Congressman Andy Ogles accused Mamdani of extremism, citing a 2017 rap lyric in which he referenced the “Holy Land Five”—leaders of a Muslim charity convicted of funding Hamas. Ogles demanded a DOJ investigation into whether Mamdani misrepresented affiliations during his naturalization process.
Further, Mamdani’s pledge to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits NYC—based on ICC war crime warrants—has drawn sharp criticism. GOP Representative Elise Stefanik called him “an anti-Semite disguised as a progressive,” while far-right commentator Laura Loomer went as far as to suggest Mamdani’s leadership could “cause another 9/11.”
4. Citizenship and “American-ness” Attacks
Mamdani’s relatively recent citizenship—granted in 2018—has become a political target. Republican Councilwoman Vickie Paladino argued it’s “insane” that someone “so recently naturalized” could govern America’s largest city. “He wasn’t even born here. He hasn’t lived the American experience long enough to lead it,” she said.
This echoes Donald Trump’s past “birther” rhetoric and attempts to question the legitimacy of immigrant politicians. Critics say such remarks are racially and religiously coded, blending Islamophobia and nativism.
5. Strategic Red Scare and Base Mobilization
Analysts see the GOP’s uproar as part of a strategic effort to galvanize its conservative base ahead of upcoming elections. By branding Mamdani as a radical and foreign threat, Republicans aim to associate the Democratic Party with “un-American” policies.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s longtime policy aide, stated: “This is the Great Replacement, live and in action. If you don’t fight it now, you’ll lose your country.” The GOP is using Mamdani’s win to paint a picture of Democratic extremism and justify crackdowns on immigration and dissent.
Legal Context: Can Mamdani Be Stripped of Citizenship?
Legally speaking, the demand to revoke Mamdani’s citizenship is unlikely to succeed.
- The Communist Control Act has been ruled unconstitutional in its application to citizens’ rights.
- The First Amendment protects political beliefs, even unpopular or radical ones.
- Denaturalization is extremely rare and only permitted if a person is found to have committed fraud or concealed material facts during their naturalization process.
Thus far, no credible evidence has emerged suggesting Mamdani’s citizenship was obtained unlawfully.
Mamdani’s Response
In response to the attacks, Mamdani remained defiant. In a public statement, he said:
“This is not about me. This is about a broader movement for justice, dignity, and working-class power in New York City. These attacks are the last gasps of a fearful political establishment.”
He also dismissed accusations of extremism and anti-Semitism, saying, “They are trying to divide our city by using fear. But New York belongs to all of us—immigrants, workers, people of all faiths.”
Conclusion
The calls to revoke Zohran Mamdani’s citizenship highlight a growing polarization in American politics, where identity, ideology, and immigration have become central battlegrounds. While the legal path to denaturalization is practically nonexistent in this context, the political battle is just beginning. As Mamdani prepares for the general election in November 2025, he is likely to remain at the center of one of the most charged and symbolic debates over what it means to be American in the 21st century.
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