Mamdani rejects idea of amending Constitution’s natural-born president rule
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that he does not support amending the U.S. Constitution’s requirement that presidents be natural-born citizens. Despite approaching the minimum age to run for president, Mamdani, born in Uganda to Indian parents, stated he is content with the current constitutional rules and is focused on city issues. Mamdani, a socialist and prominent progressive leader, has gained attention following Democratic primary victories in New York, prompting speculation about his potential national influence and the future direction of the Democratic Party before the 2028 presidential race. he emphasized the need for the party to develop a clear platform centered on addressing everyday issues like affordability and demonstrated willingness to advocate for ordinary Americans. The discussion also touched on debates over constitutional eligibility, with Mamdani dismissing efforts to change the natural-born citizen requirement.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday said he does not support amending the Constitution’s requirement that presidents be natural-born U.S. citizens, dismissing speculation about his own eligibility as his national profile booms following socialism‘s success in New York’s Democratic primary.
Appearing on ABC News’s This Week, Mamdani was asked whether the Constitution should be changed after the host noted he will soon meet the minimum age requirement to run for president but, having been born outside the United States, would remain constitutionally ineligible for the office.
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“No, no, the Constitution looks good the way it is,” Mamdani said. “I’m very excited to focus on New York City.”
The Constitution requires presidents to be at least 35 years old, to have lived in the United States for at least 14 years, and to be a natural-born citizen. The natural-born citizen requirement has periodically sparked debate, particularly involving politicians born abroad, though no serious constitutional amendment effort has gained traction in Congress.
Mamdani was born in Uganda to Indian parents before immigrating to the United States as a child.
The exchange came at the end of the interview largely focused on the ideological direction of the Democratic Party after Mamdani-backed candidates scored a string of victories in the New York Democratic primaries.
Mamdani, a socialist elected last year, has emerged as one of the party’s most prominent progressive voices. His success in New York has fueled speculation about whether his political message could resonate nationally and prompted questions, in addition to a “manifesto,” about the Democratic Party’s future ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
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The mayor said the Democratic Party needs to rethink its message when discussing its 2028 candidate.
“I think we need to have a platform and a vision that doesn’t sound as if it was cooked up by consultants, but instead one that you would say in response to someone who’s asking, ‘Why can’t I afford my rent? Why can’t I afford my groceries? Why can’t I afford my childcare?’” Mamdani said. “We need to make clear who we stand for, how we’re going to stand for them, and that we’re actually willing to fight for them when the going gets tough.”
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