In a recent social media stir, New York’s incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, sparked controversy with a plane selfie that caught the ire of conservative pundit Laura Loomer. Loomer seized the opportunity to challenge Mamdani’s authenticity as a self-proclaimed socialist, suggesting his travel choices contradicted his political stance.
New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani found himself on the receiving end of yet another attack from right-wing commentator Laura Loomer after he posted a casual selfie from his seat on a plane. The photo was shared on his X accoun which appeared harmless. But Loomer immediately pounced.Replying to him, she wrote: “Why not just take the train? Also, is that First class? Such a man of the people…” The jab played into a recurring line of criticism from MAGA activists who insist that the self-described socialist mayor-elect is a hypocrite for using air travel instead of what they view as more modest, working-class transport. Loomer and others have repeatedly argued that Mamdani’s policies, including free public buses, taxing the rich, and rent freezes — are out of touch with “real Americans,” and have warned that New York City is “doomed” under his leadership.Last week, Loomer wrote online that Mamdani should be “denaturalized,” adding: “Only in America can an Islamic immigrant from Africa openly support terrorism, maintain their citizenship and become Mayor of America’s most iconic city.” She even claimed people were taking Polymarket bets on “whether or not Zohran Mamdani will be deported.”In May, she went further, posting: “Get ready for another 9/11,” while calling him a “pro-HAMAS Muslim socialist.” Despite her history of cotroversey, Loomer was recently credentialed to cover the US Department of Defence — a move that was not welcomed by many journalists and watchdogs who see it as part of a broader effort to reshape press access under the GOP administration.Mamdani’s campaign is mostly centred on housing affordability, public transport access, taxing the rich and working-class issues. He won the mayoral election in early November against independent candidate and former governor Andrew Cuomo.Mamdani is set to meet US President Donald Trump on Friday. The meeting is expected to cover crime, housing and federal-city cooperation.
