Investigation Urged into Mamdani’s College Application Claims as Political Tensions Rise

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo are advocating for a comprehensive investigation into allegations suggesting that Zohran Mamdani misrepresented his racial identity on his Columbia University application.

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa countered that the scrutiny surrounding Mamdani is merely a distraction from his socialist agenda, potentially energizing Mamdani’s base and persuading undecided voters.

Both Adams and Cuomo have expressed concerns that the allegations against Mamdani could point to a pattern of deception. The Adams campaign denounced the situation as possibly fraudulent, while Cuomo’s campaign warned it could represent just the tip of the iceberg.

Mamdani’s Application Controversy

Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor, indicated that he identified as “Black or African American” on his 2009 Columbia University application, despite currently stating that he does not see himself as Black, as reported by The New York Times. At that time, Mamdani checked ‘Asian’ as well, writing in “Ugandan” to reflect his diverse background. Ultimately, he was not admitted to Columbia, despite his father’s position as a professor at the institution and the fact that he was not a U.S. citizen at that time.

In his comments to The Times, Mamdani articulated his identity as “an American born in Africa,” asserting that he marked multiple categories to depict his “complex background” rather than to gain a competitive edge in admissions.

Reactions from Political Figures

Adams criticized Mamdani’s actions, describing them as “an insult to every student who got into college the right way.” He emphasized that the African American identity involves a rich history, struggle, and lived experience, asserting that exploiting this identity for personal gain is profoundly offensive.

Rich Azzopardi, spokesperson for the Cuomo campaign, echoed Adams’ sentiments, emphasizing that Mamdani’s proposals, funding sources, and overall background had previously gone under scrutinized. Azzopardi stressed that this matter requires thorough investigation, as its validity could suggest fraud and point to deeper issues.

Political Implications and Campaign Dynamics

Adams, originally elected as a Democrat in late 2021, is now running as an Independent, while Cuomo considers pursuing an independent path to Gracie Mansion following his defeat to Mamdani in the Democratic primary.

In contrast, Sliwa views the unfolding situation as an opportunity for Mamdani, suggesting it will enhance his public image. “There’s so much we can criticize Mamdani for…why are we here?” Sliwa questioned during a discussion with Fox News Digital. He warned that framing Mamdani as a victim could galvanize support from those who might not traditionally align with him on key issues.

Mamdani’s Progressive Policies

The political landscape in New York has shifted dramatically since Mamdani’s nomination, invoking fear among moderates, independents, and conservatives. Many believe his socialist policies, such as proposing a $30 minimum wage, increasing taxes on affluent individuals and businesses, and advocating for city-owned grocery stores, could significantly impact the city’s financial system. Additionally, Mamdani seeks to impose a rent freeze for stabilized tenants, further stirring concerns among various political factions.

Critics Warn of Overreaction

Sliwa cautioned that excessive criticism may backfire, serving as an unwelcome gift to Mamdani’s campaign.

Even those who oppose Mamdani’s policies could unite in his defense if they perceive the attacks as inequitable or exaggerated. “Let’s refocus the discussion on the stark differences in our visions for the city,” Sliwa urged. He implored fellow candidates, including Adams and Cuomo, to refrain from victimizing Mamdani.

Call for Investigation

The Adams campaign has urged Columbia University to publicly disclose Mamdani’s 2009 admissions records, clarify whether his status as a non-citizen influenced admissions or financial assistance, and conduct a formal evaluation of potential policy violations. “We need answers,” stated Todd Shapiro, a spokesperson for Adams, underlining that the public deserves clarity on the foundations of Mamdani’s career.

Mamdani’s Response and Identity

Fox News Digital attempted to reach the Mamdani campaign for a response regarding the ongoing controversy, but did not receive an immediate reply. Mamdani informed The Times that beyond the college application, he does not recall ever identifying as Black or African American. Both of his parents hail from Indian descent, and while his father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a Columbia professor with a family history in East Africa, Mamdani stated there had been no intermarriage with native African communities.

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani has embraced his South Asian and Muslim identity. In a public address given in June at Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, he highlighted his African ancestry, noting, “I was born in Kampala, Uganda…I was named Kwame by my father after the first Prime Minister of Ghana.”

Fox News’ Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.