President Donald Trump praised New York City Mayor Eric Adams Monday, describing him as a “very good person” as Adams faces an uphill reelection battle. Trump also threatened to arrest Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani if he interferes with immigration enforcement as mayor, called him a “communist” and questioned Mamdani’s legal status.

Hours after Zohran Mamdani’s performance in New York City’s Democratic primary electrified national politics, Adams painted the 33-year-old democratic socialist as an entitled and inexperienced lawmaker trying to hoodwink New Yorkers with unrealistic campaign proposals. “This is a city not of socialism,” Adams said.

Just a few months ago, it appeared unlikely that Mayor Eric Adams of New York, who was facing federal corruption charges, would be in a position to seek a second term.