Camilla Jessen
Mamdani opposes ‘regime change’ after Maduro capture.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strongly criticised President Donald Trump following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, calling the operation an “act of war” and a violation of US and international law.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist who took office on New Year’s Day, said he was briefed on plans to imprison Maduro and his wife in New York City.
Mayor voices opposition
President Trump announced on Saturday that Maduro and his wife had been captured during what he described as a “large scale strike.”
The announcement followed months of US military actions against suspected drug vessels allegedly linked to the Venezuelan government in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific.
Speaking at a news conference, Mamdani said he had directly contacted Trump to express his opposition.
“I called the president and spoke with him directly to register my opposition to this act and to make clear that it was an opposition based on being opposed to a pursuit of regime change, to the violation of federal international law and a desire to see that be consistent each and every day,” Mamdani said.
“I registered my opposition, I made it clear and we left it at that.”
The Venezuelan government said the operation was carried out to seize the country’s oil and mineral resources and described it as an attempt to impose a “colonial war” aimed at forcing regime change.
Concerns for New Yorkers
Mamdani later posted on X that the “blatant pursuit of regime change” could have direct consequences for both New Yorkers and Venezuelans living in the city.
“My focus is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker, and my administration will continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance,” he wrote.
Commentators have noted ideological similarities between Mamdani and Maduro, particularly around wealth redistribution. Mamdani has campaigned on taxing the wealthy and corporations to fund public services, while Maduro has relied on oil revenues and state control of resources.
Fox News host and former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany highlighted what she called the “juxtaposition” of Maduro potentially being prosecuted in New York City, which Mamdani governs. Writing on X, she criticised Mamdani’s political views in relation to the situation.
Mamdani’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
Sources: X, Fox News
