NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Criticizes Trump’s Immigration View in 250th Anniversary Speech

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivered a major address on July 3 marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. Speaking from City Hall behind George Washington’s desk and flanked by newly naturalized immigrants, he framed America as a “nation of contradictions” and praised the contributions of migrants throughout history.

Mamdani rebuked President Donald Trump’s immigration rhetoric without naming him, stating, “America, they will tell you, belongs only to those with the right accent or the right shade of skin. The rest of us… should be grateful for merely being allowed to visit.” He warned that “division” is the oldest and cheapest political trick and called for an inclusive vision that “belongs to our newest Americans.” The speech came hours before Trump’s own 250th‑birthday remarks at Mount Rushmore.

Mamdani highlighted historic waves of immigration—from Lenape peoples to Irish, Chinese, Jewish, Italian and Syrian newcomers—and urged the nation to continue striving toward the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.