In a speech at the Faith and Freedom Coalition's policy conference on Friday, President Donald Trump labeled progressive candidates and democratic socialists as "hardcore, godless communists" who pose a threat to America. He specifically targeted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and three newly elected progressive candidates in NYC: Claire Valdez, Brad Lander, and Darializa Avila Chevalier.

According to Trump, these individuals want to "completely destroy the traditional American way of life" by promoting policies such as rent control, Medicare for All, and stronger union protections. He also claimed that they are making promises they cannot keep and that their followers are not smart or tough enough to fight against them.

In contrast, US Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) praised the trio's victories, saying Americans "are sick and tired of status quo politics" and want to end the corrupt campaign finance system. Mayor Mamdani has been delivering on his campaign promises, including a two-year rent freeze affecting roughly 1 million apartments in NYC.

Trump also took aim at left-leaning Democrats who he claimed want to resume transgender "mutilization" of children. However, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a $15 million plan to expand access to gender-affirming care for youth and adults across the city.

The White House has not provided further information on Trump's comments beyond his speech at the Faith and Freedom Coalition conference.

**Background**

This week saw several electoral victories for democratic socialists, including Mayor Mamdani's rent freeze in NYC. The president's comments come as a response to these developments, which he sees as a threat to traditional American values. However, progressive candidates and their supporters argue that they are fighting against the status quo of corrupt campaign finance systems and advocating for policies that benefit working-class people.

**Sources**

  • President Donald Trump's speech at the Faith and Freedom Coalition's policy conference
  • US Sen. Bernie Sanders' statement praising the trio's victories
  • New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's announcement of a $15 million plan to expand access to gender-affirming care