New York: The microphones had barely cooled from his final rally when Donald Trump lit one other fireplace. This time, the warmth was directed at two names with world recognition – Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Zohran Mamdani (member of the New York State Meeting and Democratic mayoral candidate). In entrance of cameras and flashing headlines, the U.S. president didn’t maintain again.
He stated Musk might need to pack his baggage and fly again to South Africa. He stated Mamdani might face arrest if he didn’t cooperate with deportation operations in New York. And if that was not sufficient, he raised the thought of stripping each of their U.S. citizenships.
Mamdani Underneath Fireplace
Zohran Mamdani’s face is changing into an emblem in New York’s political race. Born in Kampala to Indian-origin mother and father, the 33-year-old grew to become a U.S. citizen in 2018. His rise has been swift. However now, his citizenship itself is beneath query.
Tennessee Republican Andy Ogles desires a federal probe. His accusation? That Mamdani hid ties to people linked with terrorism earlier than changing into a citizen. His proof? A rap lyric, a political rally and a few public statements. That’s all it took for Ogles to label him a risk.
Zohran “little muhammad” Mamdani is an antisemitic, socialist, communist who will destroy the nice Metropolis of New York. He must be DEPORTED. Which is why I’m calling for him to be topic to denaturalization proceedings.
Connected is my letter to @AGPamBondi. pic.twitter.com/RWCZm67VOr
— Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) June 26, 2025
He even advised Mamdani supported calls to “globalize the intifada”. Trump took the cue and went additional. If Mamdani stops ICE from deporting undocumented immigrants, Trump warned, “We should arrest him.”
The President Activates Musk
Trump’s rift with Musk is newer and sharper. Only a 12 months in the past, the Tesla CEO had helped bankroll Trump’s marketing campaign. At the moment, he’s develop into a goal.
Trump’s grievance? A spending invoice that slashed tax credit for electrical autos – a success for Tesla. Musk opposed it. Trump responded with fireplace. He stated that with out subsidies, Musk must “shut up store”.
He even hinted Musk ought to return to South Africa.
Then got here a risk wrapped in sarcasm. Trump stated possibly “DOGE” – the Division of Authorities Effectivity – ought to look into Musk. The identical DOGE that Musk as soon as helped create. The identical company he left just some weeks in the past.
Can Citizenship Actually Be Stripped?
Stripping U.S. citizenship just isn’t as straightforward as making a speech. Naturalised residents can solely lose their standing in the event that they lied throughout the software or dedicated sure crimes like terrorism or struggle crimes.
The Justice Division has launched denaturalisation efforts earlier than. A current case concerned a convicted intercourse offender who had hidden his crimes. However consultants say Mamdani and Musk don’t fall beneath any such class.
Authorized students imagine Trump’s threats could also be extra political than authorized. Professor Michael Kagan referred to as it intimidation wrapped in nationalism. Hardly ever has denaturalisation been used this overtly towards political opponents, he stated.
Musk’s Previous, Mamdani’s Stand
Musk was born in Pretoria in 1971. He moved to Canada, then to the US in 1992. He grew to become a citizen in 2002. His early visa information are a matter of public document now. J-1 scholar visa. H-1B work allow. No violations discovered.
Mamdani moved to New York at age seven. He grew up in Queens. He grew to become a citizen after 20 years of life in the US. His supporters say the accusations are a smear – a harmful precedent in a democracy.
In his response, Mamdani didn’t flinch. He accused Trump of inciting concern. He stated ICE is not going to be allowed to “terrorize our metropolis”. He didn’t backtrack. He didn’t apologize. He stood his floor.
My assertion on Donald Trump’s risk to deport me and his reward for Eric Adams, who the President “helped out” of authorized accountability. https://t.co/m7pNcT2DFS pic.twitter.com/UcYakMx4lI
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) July 1, 2025
A Throwback
America has stripped citizenship earlier than. Bear in mind Anarchist Emma Goldman and Nazi sympathiser Paul Knauer? That was throughout struggle and Chilly Warfare paranoia.
The courts tightened the foundations in 1967. A person named Beys Afroyim misplaced his citizenship after voting in an Israeli election. The Supreme Courtroom stepped in. It dominated that People couldn’t be stripped of citizenship for political views or international votes alone.
That precedent nonetheless stands. However Trump’s phrases have opened an outdated door – one stuffed with political ghosts.