Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, currently leading in polls, declined to acknowledge President Trump’s role in facilitating a long-awaited ceasefire agreement in Gaza, opting instead to criticize Israel, while other Democrats in New York offered muted acknowledgments of the president’s involvement on Thursday.
As Democrats throughout the state expressed cautious optimism regarding the recent Israel-Hamas agreement aimed at securing the safe return of hostages, they also took the opportunity to critique Trump, with one congressman likening him to a “broken clock.”
When posed with inquiries about the significant truce, Mamdani accused Israel of committing “war crimes” and perpetrating “genocide” against Palestinians.
“I’m optimistic about the possibility of a ceasefire, hoping it is enduring and fosters peace,” he stated during an interview with 1010 WINS, shortly before launching into remarks largely directed at Israel.
“Yet amidst this hope, we must acknowledge that it does little to amend the tragedies experienced over the last two years,” he remarked. “A tragedy that started with Hamas’ horrific actions on October 7th and continued through the Israeli government’s grave war crimes, leading to the genocide of the Palestinian people.”
Mamdani’s team redirected The Post to the radio segment when inquired if he believed Trump warranted any recognition for the agreement. Throughout his interview, the democratic socialist did not mention the president.
This week, Mamdani faced significant backlash for his strong condemnation of Israel coinciding with the two-year anniversary of the October 7 events.
The ceasefire deal championed by Trump encompasses an initial phase, which entails the release of hostages and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain Palestinian territories.
The announcement prompted celebrations among both Israelis and Gazans supporting Trump, though liberal figures remained hesitant to commend the Republican leader.
“If this agreement leads to the release of hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and concludes the war, then yes, the President deserves recognition,” remarked pro-Israel Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-Bronx).
“Even a stopped clock like Donald Trump can be right twice a day,” he added.
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State Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz expressed his joy over the deal, stating he only wished it had materialized earlier.
“There is little for which Trump can claim full credit, predominantly negativity, but in this case, he undoubtedly deserves some acknowledgment,” Dinowitz (D-Bronx) conveyed to The Post.
Other liberal lawmakers in the state remained conspicuously silent regarding Trump’s involvement, including leading Democrats in Congress.
When asked on CNN if Trump deserved commendation, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries circumvented the question, stating, “This is certainly a positive step in the right direction.”
US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul, and mayoral hopeful Andrew Cuomo all praised the deal while avoiding mention of Trump’s name in their statements or remarks on Thursday.
In stark contrast, New York Republicans extolled the efforts of the 47th president.
“President Trump is an authentic dealmaker and leader, and he’s not just facilitating the end of the Israel-Hamas conflict,” Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) stated, referencing his global peace initiatives.
Rep. Michael Lawler (R-Rockland/Westchester) expressed gratitude to Trump for his leadership in striving for peace and the safe return of the hostages.
Democratic Assemblyman Kalman Yeger, representing Brooklyn, appeared to align with some Republican sentiments, affirming that Trump deserves “significant” credit for the agreement.
“The determination of the Israeli populace, along with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s resolute focus and strong legislative allies, coupled with the tremendous support from a U.S. president recognizing that no nation can survive by capitulating to terrorism, coalesced into the formidable force that compelled the Hamas surrender and the anticipated swift return of the hostages,” Yeger noted to The Post.
