New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani joined Fox News for an interview that quickly turned tense as he dodged questions about foreign policy, praised aspects of President Donald Trump’s ceasefire deal, and took aim at both Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo.
Mamdani, who leads the race by 13 points over Cuomo according to the latest Quinnipiac University poll, has stunned observers with his rise. The 33-year-old democratic socialist from Queens has built his campaign on a slate of left-wing proposals — including free public bus rides, universal childcare, rent freezes, and government-owned grocery stores.
When asked whether he would credit Trump for brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Mamdani hesitated. “When it comes to the ceasefire, I am thankful, and I have hope that it will actually endure and that it will be lasting,” he said. “But I have concerns because I’ve seen reports that five Palestinians were killed by the Israeli military in recent days. That’s what gives me pause about issuing any kind of praise.”
Pressed again on whether Trump deserved credit for ending the violence, Mamdani replied, “I think it’s too early to do so—too early to say. But if it proves to be something that is lasting, something that is durable, then I think that’s where you give credit.”
The Fox host then noted reports that Hamas was assaulting civilians and refusing to return hostages’ remains. Mamdani condemned those acts but quickly shifted the conversation back to domestic issues.
“Those are bodies and remains that should absolutely be returned,” he said. “I have no issue critiquing Hamas or the Israeli government because my critiques all come from a place of universal human rights. But my focus is right here in New York City, transforming the most expensive city in America into one that’s affordable for each and every New Yorker.”
When asked directly if Hamas should demilitarize, Mamdani again avoided a clear answer. “I believe that any future here in New York City is one that we have to make sure is affordable for all,” he said. “As it pertains to Israel and Palestine, we must ensure that there is peace, and that is the future we have to fight for.”
Even after further pressing, Mamdani maintained his distance from taking a firm stance. “I don’t really have opinions about the future of Hamas and Israel beyond the question of justice and safety—and the fact that anything has to abide by international law,” he said.
According to the Quinnipiac poll, Mamdani leads Cuomo 46% to 33%, with Republican Curtis Sliwa trailing at 15%. Despite criticism of his evasive answers and radical proposals, Mamdani continues to energize progressive voters who see him as the face of a new political movement in New York City.