Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday called the winners of New York City Democratic primaries 'communists,' following a series of races where candidates backed by Representative Jamaal Bowman defeated pro-Israel incumbent Democrats. The primaries, held on June 25, 2026, saw significant backlash against establishment figures, with progressive candidates winning in several districts.
Trump, in a statement on his social media platform, said: 'The communists have taken over the Democrat Party in New York. These are radical leftists who hate our country.' The former president's comments came after Bowman-aligned candidates secured victories in at least three primaries, unseating long-time incumbents who had strong support from pro-Israel groups.
The wins mark a seismic shift in New York City politics, solidifying the influence of left-wing Mayor Eric Adams' critics. Adams, who has faced criticism from progressives for his moderate stance on policing and Israel, saw his allies lose key races. The results are seen as a major victory for the 'Squad' and its allies, who have pushed for a more critical stance on Israel's policies.
Verified reports from local news outlets confirm that the primary winners include candidates who have called for a ceasefire in Gaza and have criticized U.S. military aid to Israel. The races drew national attention, with both progressive and pro-Israel groups spending millions on advertising.
As of June 25, 2026, the results are not yet certified, but the trend suggests a significant realignment in New York's Democratic Party. Trump's characterization of the winners as 'communists' has been criticized by Democrats, who accuse him of using inflammatory language to divide the party.
