Zohran Mamdani Stops Short of Praising Trump on Gaza Deal
Zohran Mamdani, 2025. Photo by Dmitryshein under CC BY 4.0.
Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, is treading carefully when it comes to crediting President Donald Trump for the recent Middle East peace deal aimed at ending the war in Gaza. In a recent interview, Mamdani stopped short of praising Trump's role, saying it is "too early" to judge whether the agreement will hold. This signals a cautious distancing amid a politically charged atmosphere.
A Cautious Hope
Mamdani expressed hope that the peace deal would lead to a lasting resolution, but emphasized that the true test lies in its durability. "I am thankful, and I have hope [the deal] will actually endure and it will be lasting," he told Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum. However, when pressed on whether Trump deserves credit for Phase 1 of the Gaza peace deal, Mamdani replied that it is still "too early" to give such credit.
This measured stance reflects a strategic approach to a complex issue. Mamdani's reluctance to fully endorse Trump's diplomatic achievement may be influenced by the volatile public opinion surrounding the conflict and the peace process. He ties any praise to the outcome — if it proves to be lasting — Mamdani leaves room to distance himself should the deal falter.
Contrasting Views on the Conflict
Mamdani's position on the Israel-Palestine conflict is well known and sharply contrasts with the narrative that credits Trump's administration for brokering peace. He has described the war as a "genocide" against Palestinians, as reported by Spectrum News — a term that underscores his critical stance toward Israel's actions during the conflict. In a radio interview, Mamdani acknowledged the tragedy on both sides, but highlighted the suffering of Palestinians, saying the deal "does not erase the tragedy that has taken hold over these past two years, the tragedy with Hamas' horrific war crime on Oct. 7, and the Israeli government's horrific war crimes since then, leading to the genocide of Palestinians."
This perspective creates a clear tension with those who view Trump's role in the peace deal as a diplomatic breakthrough. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, now running as an independent in the mayoral race, said, "we may finally be nearing a turning point toward peace and change in the Middle East," as reported by Spectrum News, reflecting a more optimistic view of the agreement's potential.
Political Stakes in New York
Mamdani's cautious approach to President Trump's peace deal comes amid a heated mayoral race in New York City, where Trump has been a vocal critic of the Democratic socialist candidate. According to Fox News, Trump has threatened to withhold federal funds from New York City and deploy the National Guard if Mamdani wins, framing the race as a battle against "communist" leadership.
In response, Mamdani has sought to broaden his appeal and soften some of his earlier positions. In a Fox News interview, he publicly apologized for past criticisms of the New York Police Department, pledging to work with officers and maintain staffing levels while introducing new community safety initiatives, as reported by Newsday.
During the same interview, Mamdani directly addressed Trump, saying he is willing to "speak at any time to lower the cost of living," a key issue in his campaign, as reported by Newsday. This moment underscored Mamdani's attempt to engage with his political adversary on practical matters, even as the two remain sharply divided on many issues.
Navigating a Divided Electorate
Mamdani's nuanced stance on the Gaza peace deal reflects the broader challenge of navigating a deeply divided electorate in New York City. The city's diverse population includes many who are deeply invested in the Israel-Palestine conflict, with strong opinions on both sides. Mamdani acknowledged this complexity when asked about concerns from Jewish New Yorkers regarding antisemitism and his critical views on Israel. He emphasized that he does not expect everyone to agree with him, but wants to ensure "they still see themselves in the city," as reported by Spectrum News.
Meanwhile, members of Congress who support Mamdani have expressed cautious optimism about the peace deal. Queens Representative Gregory Meeks highlighted the significance of the ceasefire for people in both Gaza and Israel, calling it "a big deal," as reported by Spectrum News. Rep. Jerry Nadler, a prominent Jewish Democrat who endorsed Mamdani, said he is awaiting more details on how the peace will be implemented, particularly regarding governance in Gaza and the West Bank.
The Road Ahead
As the New York City mayoral election approaches, Mamdani's cautious distancing from Trump's peace deal signals a careful balancing act. He is navigating the political risks of being associated too closely with a controversial figure while maintaining a hopeful but guarded stance on a potentially historic diplomatic achievement.
The mayoral hopeful's approach underscores the complexity of local politics intersecting with international issues. His emphasis on waiting to see if the peace deal endures before offering full praise reflects a pragmatic recognition that outcomes, not just intentions, will shape public judgment.
For voters watching the race, Mamdani's position offers a window into how global conflicts and local politics intertwine, shaping the narratives candidates choose to embrace or avoid.
Whether the peace deal holds or unravels, Mamdani's cautious words suggest he is keenly aware of the stakes — not just for the Middle East, but for his own political future in one of America's most challenging cities.
References: NYC mayoral candidate Mamdani cautious on crediting Trump for Gaza deal | Mamdani hopes for 'lasting' peace from Trump's Gaza deal | Mamdani uses Fox interview to apologize to NYPD, send direct message to Trump
