A former aide for President Donald Trump used the word “Trumpian” to describe Zohran Mamdani’s victory speech after he was elected as New York City’s new mayor. (Watch the video below.)
Alyssa Farah Griffin, a CNN analyst and panelist on “The View,” made the claim in the news network’s coverage on Tuesday after democratic socialist Mamdani defeated ex-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Co-panelist David Axelrod, a former Obama adviser, expressed disappointment with Mamdani’s boisterous approach. “This was a shouted speech, not a talk with the city on the night of his election,” he said. Another analyst, Van Jones, acknowledged that Mamdani’s tone was “a little bit off.”
Scott Jennings, who worked for ex-President George W. Bush, said Mamdani’s “screaming” at Trump proved his national ambitions.
Axelrod eventually passed the baton to Griffin, who was White House communications director and a special assistant to Trump in his first term.
“To be honest with you, it felt Trumpian,” she said. “He started by saying he dare not say the name of Cuomo again, saying he’s not even going to say his name again. Juxtapose that to [Virginia Gov.-elect] Abigail Spanberger, who took a moment to acknowledge [GOP opponent Winsome Earle-Sears’] service and to thank her for running a good race. There’s a moment to rise to the occasion he did not choose.”
Regarding Cuomo, whose father also served as governor, Mamdani boasted, “We have toppled a political dynasty.”
“I wish Andrew Cuomo only the best in private life,” he continued. “But let tonight be the final time I utter his name.”
Striking a defiant tone against Trump, who fearmongered while talking about consequences for the city if Mamdani won, the mayor-elect said: “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him.”
“So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching. I have four words for you: Turn the volume up,” Mamdani added.
