Zohran Mamdani laughs off Trump’s ‘better-looking’ barb as cost-of-living remains focus

During a campaign event for his bid to become mayor of New York City, assembly member Zohran Mamdani was asked for his reaction to remarks made by president Donald Trump declaring that he is “much better-looking” than Mamdani. The Democratic Socialist candidate responded with a laugh and redirected the discussion, stating firmly that his priority lies in tackling the cost-of-living crisis facing New Yorkers, rather than engaging in appearance-based barbs.

The exchange arose after Trump, during a recent interview on 60 Minutes, labelled Mamdani a “communist” and dismissed any comparison by stating he considers himself “much better looking” than the 34-year-old progressive challenger. After the remark circulated across social media, Mamdani was asked directly what he thought of the comment. He opted to treat it lightly and shift the focus back to substantive issues.

Mamdani’s campaign has centred on affordability, housing, public transit and inflation-driven pressures that local residents face. In his earlier interviews, he repeatedly emphasised the “cost-of-living crisis” in New York City, highlighting issues such as rising rents, child-care costs and grocery bills. By distancing himself from the appearance jab and refusing to be drawn into a personal feud, Mamdani reinforced his message of pragmatic governance rather than showy rhetoric.

The social media reaction has been swift and mocking of Trump’s comment, with memes and online discussions pointing to the bizarre nature of a “better-looking” comparison between a 79-year-old president and a 30-something candidate. Observers note that Mamdani’s refusal to engage with the insult may appeal to younger voters and those fatigued by conversational distractions in politics.

With the election for New York City mayor looming, this moment serves as a strategic sign-post in Mamdani’s campaign. Rather than become derailed by personal attacks, the candidate turned the spotlight back on policy, framing himself as a serious contender focused on economic challenges. Whether this approach strengthens his support remains to be seen, but his measured response contrasts sharply with more traditional campaign theatrics.