Vivek Ramaswamy reveals whether he's shocked by Mamdani's win: 'New York used to be...'

GOP leader and Ohio Governor candidate Vivek Ramaswamy once again spoke out on self-described socialist Zohran Mamdani's victory in the New York mayoral election at a time he is at the center of a major MAGA controversy.

Appearing on a Fox segment hosted by Lara Trump, Ramaswamy revealed that Mamdani's win in New York City is shocking because New York City "used to be a great American city, embodiment of capitalism, success and ambition".

Ramaswamy said President Donald Trump has done his part, securing the border and securing international peace. Now it is the duty of the local leaders to focus on domestic economics, Ramaswamy said, adding that as bad as Mamdani's solutions are, he is still pointing towards the issue of affordability that affects a lot of Americans.

Ramaswamy said it's ironic because teh Republicans have the right answer.

Vivek sidelined in MAGA, Trump has to endorse him

Mamdani's win brought the focus on Vivek Ramaswamy, another Indian-origin leader on the other side of the political spectrum who asked MAGA to shun identity politics after the GOP's embarrassing defeat in New York, New Jersey and Virginia. MAGA demanded that Vivek be replaced by a full American candidate; otherwise, they would make sure that Vivek loses. MAGA claimed that it's no longer a fight between the Republicans and the Democrats but between Americans and non-Americans and Vivek must lose the Ohio election in 2026.

The demand grew so loud that President Donald Trump had to issue a fresh endorsement for Vivej, calling him "special". "Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country. As your next Governor, Vivek will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations..." Trump posted to silence the murmurs against Vivek only because he has Indian origin.

Is Vivek not American?

Vivek Ramaswamy was born in Ohio to Indian-origin parents, making him a US citizen by birth. Ramaswamy was also contesting in the 2024 presidential election against Trump, which a foreign-born individual can't do.