Senator John Fetterman called New York City Mayor Mamdani a “clown” on Tuesday after the mayor made comments about arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The sharp rebuke came as a new poll shows 83% support for Netanyahu’s planned visit to New York City by September 30.
Fetterman’s blunt criticism
Fetterman didn’t hold back. In a social media post, the Pennsylvania Democrat referred to Mamdani as a “clown” over the mayor’s remarks about Netanyahu’s potential arrest. The exact content of Mamdani’s comments wasn’t detailed, but the senator’s reaction was immediate and personal. “He’s a clown,” Fetterman wrote, according to the facts available.
The exchange highlights growing tensions around Netanyahu’s upcoming trip. The Israeli leader is expected to visit New York City for the United Nations General Assembly, though his schedule has been a subject of debate.
Poll shows strong support for the visit
A poll released this week indicates that 83% of respondents support Netanyahu’s visit to New York City by the end of September. The survey, conducted before Fetterman’s comment, suggests broad backing for the trip despite the controversy. The poll’s margin of error and sample size weren’t disclosed, but the figure is striking.
Netanyahu’s visit has drawn attention from both supporters and critics. Some see it as a routine diplomatic stop, while others view it as a flashpoint given ongoing legal and political battles involving the Israeli prime minister.
What the mayor said
Mayor Mamdani’s comments about arresting Netanyahu remain unclear. The facts only note that Fetterman’s criticism was triggered by the mayor’s remarks on the subject. Mamdani has not publicly responded to Fetterman’s insult as of this writing.
The mayor’s office did not immediately return a request for comment. Fetterman’s office also declined to elaborate on the senator’s post.
The visit is scheduled to take place before September 30. With the poll showing overwhelming support, the trip appears likely to proceed. But the political fallout from Fetterman’s jab may linger.
