President Donald Trump praised New York City Mayor Eric Adams Monday, describing him as a “very good person” as Adams faces an uphill reelection battle. Trump also threatened to arrest Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani if he interferes with immigration enforcement as mayor, called him a “communist” and questioned Mamdani’s legal status.

Hours after Zohran Mamdani’s performance in New York City’s Democratic primary electrified national politics, Adams painted the 33-year-old democratic socialist as an entitled and inexperienced lawmaker trying to hoodwink New Yorkers with unrealistic campaign proposals. “This is a city not of socialism,” Adams said.

New York Mayor Eric Adams is kicking off his independent reelection bid. He says Thursday at City Hall that the race is a choice between a blue-collar candidate and one with a silver spoon, referring to likely Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani.