Rep. Olges: Mamdani Should Stripped of Citizenship, Deported over ‘Anti-Israel’ Stance/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Rep. Andy Ogles is urging the Justice Department to investigate and potentially denaturalize New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Ogles cites Mamdani’s past rhetoric and refusal to denounce figures linked to Hamas. Mamdani denies explicit support for Hamas and remains the frontrunner in the mayoral race.
Mamdani Citizenship Probe Quick Looks
- Rep. Andy Ogles renewed his request for the DOJ to investigate Mamdani’s 2018 naturalization.
- Ogles alleges Mamdani failed to disclose pro-Hamas associations and “anti-U.S.” rhetoric.
- Mamdani holds dual citizenship with the United States and Uganda.
- Ogles points to Mamdani’s praise of Holy Land Foundation founders in a 2017 rap song.
- The Holy Land Foundation was convicted in the U.S. of supporting Hamas.
- Denaturalization requires federal court proof of fraud during citizenship.
- Mamdani has not openly endorsed Hamas, but has been accused of sympathetic rhetoric.
- He vowed to arrest Israeli PM Netanyahu if he visited New York.
- Despite criticism, Mamdani has positioned himself as a unifying candidate for NYC.
- The race remains hotly contested with early voting underway in New York.
Deep Look
Rep. Andy Ogles Renews Call to Investigate Zohran Mamdani’s Citizenship Over Alleged Anti-Israel Ties
WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Republican Rep. Andy Ogles has renewed his call for the Department of Justice to investigate New York State Assemblyman and current mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, arguing that the Democratic socialist may have withheld critical information during his naturalization process.
In a newly issued letter to the DOJ, Ogles claims that Mamdani’s public rhetoric and past associations raise questions about the legitimacy of his 2018 American citizenship. The Tennessee lawmaker has requested that the agency consider denaturalization and deportation, citing Mamdani’s “supportive tone” toward individuals convicted of aiding Hamas, the militant group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
Ogles first made a similar request back in June but asserts that “additional public reporting” since then has only intensified his concerns.
Citizenship Under Scrutiny
Born in Uganda and holding dual citizenship, Mamdani became a naturalized U.S. citizen seven years ago. Under federal law, deportation of American citizens is illegal, but denaturalization is possible if it can be proven in court that citizenship was obtained through fraud or deliberate omission of required disclosures.
“No individual, regardless of public office or public profile, should be shielded from accountability,” Ogles wrote. He urged a formal investigation to determine whether Mamdani failed to disclose past affiliations and sympathies with anti-Israel or anti-American movements during his naturalization.
Holy Land Foundation, Rap Lyrics, and Political Fallout
One of Ogles’ key points is Mamdani’s past praise for the Holy Land Foundation, a group that was shut down in 2001 and later convicted in a high-profile U.S. case of funneling support to Hamas.
According to reports, Mamdani referenced the group’s founders positively in a 2017 rap song released under the name “Mr. Cardamom.” The resurfaced lyrics have added fuel to accusations that he maintains ideological ties to causes aligned against U.S. and Israeli interests.
Critics have repeatedly accused Mamdani of being overly sympathetic to Hamas, particularly in the wake of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel, which were carried out by the Palestinian group. Mamdani has not publicly endorsed Hamas, but until recently, declined to directly condemn the organization.
During a recent televised debate, Mamdani clarified his position, stating, “Of course, I believe that they should lay down their arms.”
Still, Ogles insists that Mamdani’s rhetoric and past statements deserve federal scrutiny.
“The United States must uphold the integrity of its citizenship process,” Ogles wrote, adding that anyone seeking public office should meet “the highest standards of loyalty to this Nation.”
Mayoral Campaign Pressures
Despite the controversy, Mamdani remains the leading candidate in New York City’s highly competitive mayoral race. His progressive platform, which includes firm criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, has energized a segment of the city’s left-leaning electorate.
He has also made headlines for saying he would order the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he step foot in New York, citing alleged war crimes.
Yet, in his public appearances, Mamdani has sought to soften his image. During a recent appearance on “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart, Mamdani declared that “the days of endorsements deciding elections have come to an end,” and emphasized his goal to serve all New Yorkers, regardless of political alignment.
In an August rally, supporters rallied around Mamdani in Prospect Park, demonstrating strong grassroots backing despite mounting political pressure and public scrutiny.
What’s Next
With early voting already underway in New York and New Jersey, the stakes are high. Whether the DOJ responds to Ogles’ latest request remains to be seen. Any formal investigation into Mamdani’s naturalization would face significant legal hurdles and intense political blowback.
For now, Mamdani remains in the race and on the ballot, but the focus on his past statements and legal status may continue to shadow his campaign in the final weeks leading up to election day.
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