Harvard Law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz is urging President Donald Trump to speak directly with New York City’s new mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, about comments that many have called antisemitic. Dershowitz made these comments during an interview on Newsmax, saying that Trump should not ignore past remarks made by Mamdani that some view as hostile to Jewish people and to Israel.
Dershowitz said he hopes President Trump will send a clear message when Mamdani visits the White House. According to Dershowitz, the president should say, “We can work together, but I can’t work with a bigot. I can’t work with an anti-Semite.” His point is that elected officials must be held to a high standard, and that hate of any kind should not be tolerated in politics.
The conversation around Mamdani comes at a time when antisemitism is becoming a bigger concern in the United States. Over the past year, national and local leaders have warned that anti-Jewish incidents are on the rise—especially in major cities like New York. Groups that monitor hate speech have also reported more aggressive public statements and protests targeting Jews or people who support Israel.
Zohran Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has stood out for his sharp criticism of Israel. He has supported efforts to cut U.S. aid to Israel and has backed the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to pressure Israel over its policies toward Palestinians. Critics say his views go beyond policy disagreements and show hostility to Jewish people more broadly. Mamdani has denied being antisemitic, saying his views are aimed at the Israeli government, not Jews.
Still, many Jewish leaders and community groups have raised red flags. They argue that Mamdani’s words and actions can create a climate where hate is more acceptable, even if that is not his goal. Alan Dershowitz, who has spent decades fighting antisemitism and defending civil rights, says it’s important for national leaders like Trump to address these concerns head-on.
The issue also has a wider impact on U.S. politics. It raises questions about how far local and state leaders can go in criticizing foreign allies like Israel without crossing the line into hate speech. It also brings up the role of the federal government in holding local officials accountable for their rhetoric. While the First Amendment protects free speech, including harsh political criticism, elected officials have a duty to represent all citizens fairly and without bias.
President Trump’s handling of this situation could set a precedent. If he chooses to confront Mamdani, it may signal a tougher stance on antisemitism at the national level. It would also show that the White House expects local leaders to respect American allies and uphold standards of fairness and respect.
On the other hand, if Trump avoids the issue, some may see it as a missed opportunity to take a stand. With antisemitism and hate crimes in the news more often, many voters are looking to their leaders for clear action and strong statements.
This situation also touches on the balance between federal and state—or in this case, city—power. New York City voters chose Mamdani, and under the Constitution, cities and states have the right to pick their own leaders. But when those leaders make statements that affect national interests or public safety, the federal government has a role to play in responding.
As Mamdani prepares to take office in one of America’s largest and most diverse cities, how he responds to criticism will also be important. So far, he has shown no sign of backing down from his views on Israel. The question now is whether he will be open to dialogue with those who feel his words have caused harm.
In the months ahead, Americans will be watching closely to see how this meeting between President Trump and Mayor-elect Mamdani plays out—and what it means for the broader fight against antisemitism and for the future of American political discourse.
