President Trump praised New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and is preparing to host Chinese President Xi Jinping for a White House state dinner, moves that have prompted criticism from within the GOP. Republicans say the gestures clash with efforts to portray Democrats as driven by socialism or communism, even as Democrats hold a roughly 7-point edge on the generic congressional ballot. Nearly 500 military personnel are expected to take part in Xi's arrival ceremonies, and a state banquet is planned.
Trump Praises Left-Wing Figures; GOP Warns It Undercuts Midterm Message
Evan Vucci/Reuters
President Donald Trump has drawn criticism from some Republicans after publicly praising two figures on the left as his party intensifies efforts to portray Democrats as radical ahead of the midterm elections.
On Monday the 80-year-old president visited Gracie Mansion and called New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani — a 34-year-old who describes himself as a democratic socialist — a leader of "great potential." The White House also confirmed plans to host Chinese President Xi Jinping, 73, for a state dinner at the White House later this week.
Trump appears oddly taken by a young democratic socialist by the name of Zohran Mamdani. / Spencer Platt / Getty Images
Political Optics and Party Reaction
Those gestures have unsettled some Republicans who are leaning into messaging that links Democratic officials and candidates to socialism or communism. Trump’s slipping approval ratings have coincided with Democrats maintaining roughly a 7-point advantage on the generic congressional ballot heading into November.
"It's total bulls--t. I'm p---ed off," Laura Loomer, a far-right influencer and normally staunch Trump supporter, told Politico's Playbook newsletter about the meeting with Mamdani. "He's telling voters to pretend that he's on the ballot while, at the same time, saying that this communist jihadist has potential. How does that motivate people to go out and vote in the midterms when Mamdani and everyone he has endorsed is anti-Trump and anti-American?"
Other Republicans privately questioned the timing and optics of a lavish state visit by Xi as voters consistently rank cost-of-living concerns among their top issues. "I don't think people really want to see you toasting the Chinese premier," one GOP source with ties to the White House told Politico. "You're hosting this glamorous state dinner at a time when people are like, 'Are you focused on me?'"
The president is also pulling out all the stops ahead of a lavish state visit by China's communist despot. He's seen visiting China with Melania Trump in 2017. / JONATHAN ERNST / Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
State Visit Plans And Preparations
The White House outlined a ceremonial itinerary for Xi’s visit: a tarmac greeting at Joint Base Andrews, a State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn, events on the State Floor and in the Rose Garden, and a state banquet the following evening. Nearly 500 military personnel from all branches are expected to participate in the arrival ceremonies.
First Lady Melania Trump, 56, who has been less visible in recent months amid scrutiny of her husband's personal and professional relationships, issued a statement expressing enthusiasm for the visit and repeatedly referred to Xi as "His Excellency."
Loomer is just one Republican voice to have expressed outrage at Trump's off-message moves of late. / Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag
On Monday, Mr. Trump also cut the ribbon on a newly completed South Lawn helipad — part of a series of renovations rushed ahead of the visit — though a helicopter’s engine briefly drowned out his remarks. "Most Republicans probably wish he was [inaudible] most of the time these days," quipped Arizona GOP strategist Barrett Marson, who warned that the president's embrace of outspoken leaders on the left could make Republican warnings about socialism and communism harder to sell to voters.
The White House has been contacted for comment.
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