Trump administration raises possibility of stripping Mamdani of US citizenship

Published: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 10:21 pm

Trump Administration Considers Revoking Citizenship of NYC Mayoral Candidate

The Trump administration is considering the possibility of stripping Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic mayoral candidate for New York City, of his US citizenship. This follows a call from Republican Representative Andy Ogles for an investigation into Mamdani's naturalization process, alleging potential concealment of support for terrorism.

Mamdani, born in Uganda to Indian parents, became a US citizen in 2018. He has garnered significant attention and controversy due to his vocal support for Palestinian rights. The situation escalated after Mamdani pledged to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from deporting residents. In response, President Trump reportedly stated that Mamdani would be arrested and potentially stripped of his citizenship.

This controversy comes after Mamdani's victory in the New York mayoral primary. The Trump administration has previously instructed attorneys to prioritize denaturalizing foreign-born US citizens convicted of specific crimes. Ogles's call for an investigation cited a rap song by Mamdani and his refusal to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada" as potential evidence of misrepresentation during the naturalization process.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that if the claims against Mamdani are true, they should be investigated. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy criticized the demand to denaturalize Mamdani, calling it "racist bullshit." Trump has also labeled Mamdani a "communist" and threatened to cut off funds to New York if Mamdani becomes mayor. Trump praised current New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent.

BNN's Perspective:

The situation surrounding Zohran Mamdani highlights the increasingly polarized political climate. While concerns about national security and adherence to naturalization laws are valid, the timing and nature of the accusations raise questions about political motivations. It is crucial that any investigation into Mamdani's citizenship is conducted fairly and without bias, upholding the principles of due process and the rule of law.

Keywords: Zohran Mamdani, Trump administration, citizenship, New York City, mayoral candidate, naturalization, terrorism, Palestinian rights, ICE, deportation, Andy Ogles, Chris Murphy, Eric Adams, communist, politics, US citizenship, Democratic, Republican, investigation, denaturalization

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