Martina Navratilova Criticizes Donald Trump for Comments on Zohran Mamdani

Martina Navratilova has once again taken a stand against Donald Trump, this time regarding his comments about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. On September 29, 2025, Trump criticized Mamdani on Truth Social, labeling him a “self-proclaimed New York City Communist” and stating that he would not receive federal funds if elected.
Criticism of Trump’s Remarks on Zohran Mamdani
Trump’s remarks about Mamdani sparked widespread outrage. Mamdani, who is running for mayor in the upcoming 2025 elections, was portrayed unfavorably by Trump, who dismissed his campaign promises as “fake Communist promises.” The former president claimed Mamdani would never receive financial support from his administration.
Legal Implications of Trump’s Comments
Political commentator Brian Krassenstein pointed out potential legal violations in Trump’s statements. He highlighted various U.S. laws that could have been breached, including:
- 18 U.S.C. § 595: Using authority to influence elections
- § 201: Bribery
- § 872: Extortion
- § 241/242: Violations of voting rights
Krassenstein also noted that these statements might go against the Appropriations Clause, the Take Care Clause, and the First Amendment. Even without formal charges, such remarks could be interpreted as an abuse of power.
Navratilova’s Strong Reaction
Martina Navratilova swiftly responded to Trump’s comments by sharing them on X. She expressed her disdain, remarking, “The criminal ignoramus is at it again.” Her response underscored her long-standing criticism of Trump in both sports and political contexts.
Previous Criticism at the US Open
This incident is not Navratilova’s first critique of Trump in September 2025. Earlier in the month, at the U.S. Open men’s singles final on September 8, his presence caused significant delays. Due to heavy security measures, the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner was postponed for nearly 30 minutes, leaving thousands of fans waiting outside in the rain.
Navratilova voiced her frustration over the delays during an interview with Sky Sports. She remarked on the impact of the situation on players, emphasizing that they have strict preparation schedules. She also urged attention for the dedicated fans who endured difficult conditions for the event.
Conclusion
In the end, Carlos Alcaraz emerged victorious against Jannik Sinner to win the U.S. Open. However, Trump’s controversial presence and the ensuing complications overshadowed the victory, drawing considerable media attention. Martina Navratilova’s criticisms amplify the discourse surrounding Trump’s influence and actions in the political arena.