Sen. Tommy Tuberville called New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani “the enemy” after Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor, placed his left hand on two family Qurans while being sworn in shortly after midnight. Mamdani, 34, immigrated from Uganda around age 10 and said he would seek to emulate Sen. Bernie Sanders. Tuberville, who is running for Alabama governor, has a record of anti‑Islam statements, which drew additional attention to his post.
Sen. Tuberville Calls NYC’s New Mayor ‘The Enemy’ After Mamdani Swears on the Quran
Tommy Tuberville
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R‑AL) labeled New York City’s newly inaugurated mayor Zohran Mamdani “the enemy” after Mamdani chose to place his hand on two family Qurans during his swearing‑in ceremony.
Inauguration and Reaction
Mamdani, who is the city’s first Muslim mayor, was sworn in at City Hall shortly after midnight and said he would seek to “emulate” the leadership of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I‑VT), who spoke at the ceremony. The New York Times reported in advance that Mamdani intended to take the oath with his left hand resting on two family Qurans, and he followed through with that choice.
Hours after the Times story appeared — then headlined “Mamdani Will Be First N.Y.C. Mayor to Use the Quran at his Swearing‑In” — Tuberville posted a screenshot of the article on social media with the comment, “The enemy is inside the gates.” Tuberville is a U.S. senator from Alabama and is running for governor this year.
Background
Mamdani, 34, was born in Uganda to parents of Indian descent and immigrated to the United States around age 10. His swearing‑in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor attracted national attention both for the historic milestone and for the immediate, critical reaction from some political figures.
Controversial Remarks From Tuberville
Tuberville has a record of inflammatory remarks about Islam. Last month he posted on social media, “Islam is not a religion. It’s a cult. Islamists aren’t here to assimilate. They’re here to conquer. Stop worrying about offending the pearl clutchers. We’ve got to SEND THEM HOME NOW or we’ll become the United Caliphate of America.”
Tuberville’s Post: “The enemy is inside the gates.”
Mediaite first reported on Tuberville’s post and on Mamdani’s choice to swear on family Qurans.
Why This Matters
The episode highlights tensions over religion, identity and political rhetoric in U.S. public life. It also underscores the scrutiny public officials face when making personal choices tied to faith and heritage.
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