Beyond his wife, few seem more thrilled about Zohran Mamdani’s recent electoral triumph than former President Barack Obama.
In a congratulatory message to New York’s newly elected mayor—the first Muslim, first of South Asian heritage, and first African-born individual to hold the post—Obama appeared to subtly take a jab at Mamdani’s most vocal critic, Donald Trump.
For context, 34-year-old Mamdani defeated his rivals, former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, on Tuesday, November 5, securing 50.4 percent of the vote.
A democratic socialist, Mamdani is set to become the city’s most progressive mayor in generations—so it’s no surprise that the Republican president isn’t among his supporters.
Much of Mamdani’s agenda will challenge the economic and political stances favored by Trump. One of his key initiatives involves taxing wealthy groups, directly opposing policies championed by Trump and his billionaire allies.
Additionally, Mamdani plans to reinforce the city’s sanctuary protections, expand legal support for detained immigrants, and implement stronger safeguards for immigrant communities—all points likely to clash with Trump’s increasingly conservative agenda.
In contrast, one prominent figure fully endorsing Mamdani’s vision for New York is Trump’s predecessor, Obama.
The 64-year-old joined a live recording of the Pod Save America podcast on Thursday, giving a public shoutout to Mamdani while criticizing the concentration of power in Washington, D.C.
“We had a good night on Tuesday,” Obama told listeners, noting Democratic wins for gubernatorial candidates Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill as well. “It was a good reminder that the American people are paying attention.”
Without directly naming the 79-year-old former president, Obama remarked: “They don’t want cruelty. They are not looking for people at the top trying to entrench themselves in power.”
He added: “Our job is to ensure everyone is engaged and to have a conversation about how each person in this country can be treated with dignity and respect.
“We recognize our differences. Yes, there will be battles, but at the core, there is something we all share that is extraordinary.”
