Eric Trump accuses Zohran Mamdani of ‘hating the Indian population’

Eric Trump argued that major urban centres are experiencing a “fall” under Democratic governance and accused New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani of “hating the Indian population.” Speaking to Fox News, the US President’s son also claimed that Seattle’s mayor-elect was “literally going after Starbucks,” describing it as part of a wider exodus of businesses from Democratic-run states to Republican ones “where they are not attacked.”

Recalling past political clashes over corporate investment, Eric Trump said, "I don't need to remind you how AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) was going after Amazon when they wanted to set up their headquarters in New York City. She ran them out like absolute dogs," adding that he too had left New York for Florida.

He argued that political decisions were weakening America’s major cities. "It's all because of politics. All these cities need safe streets, clean streets and comparatively lower taxes. If you have these, there is no place that can compare to New York City. No one could compete against New York City and yet you have a socialist, communist -- however you want to label him, who wants to arrest Netanyahu, hates the Jewish, hates the indian population, and wants to defund law enforcement," he said, again targeting Mamdani.

Concerns have surfaced among some business owners following Mamdani’s election, with several saying they might consider relocating if his policies prove unfavourable to small enterprises. Mamdani has publicly called for a boycott of Starbucks in support of striking baristas, writing, “While workers are on strike, I won’t be buying any Starbucks, and I’m asking you to join us.” Seattle mayor-elect Katie Wilson echoed that stance, saying, "I am not buying Starbucks and you should not either.”

Despite the public criticism, Donald Trump suggested a meeting with Mamdani may take place shortly. "We'll work something out," he said, adding, “He would like to come to Washington and meet, and we’ll work something out… We want to see everything work out well for New York.” Mamdani's team confirmed on Monday that they had contacted the White House.