Lawmakers from both parties united to approve a resolution rejecting socialism

The vote marked a rare moment of bipartisan agreement in Congress, arriving just before the closely watched Trump–Mamdani meeting. Its timing heightened political focus and reignited national debate over economic policy and the proper role of government.

Zohran Mamdani’s election as mayor of New York City has pushed him into the national spotlight. His open identification as a democratic socialist has drawn attention not only to his agenda, but to what his victory suggests about changing political attitudes in large U.S. cities.

That attention grew sharper when, on the same day as his first official meeting with Donald Trump, the U.S. House approved a bipartisan resolution denouncing the “harms of socialism.” Though symbolic and nonbinding, the vote highlighted rising ideological friction around Mamdani’s leadership.

The resolution passed by a wide margin, including backing from dozens of Democrats. Supporters described it as an affirmation of democratic capitalism, while critics argued it was more about messaging than meaningful policy.

Several high-profile Democrats, including New York leaders, supported the measure, signaling unease within the party’s moderate wing about the growing influence of democratic socialist ideas, particularly on spending and government involvement.

Republicans pointed to historical examples of authoritarian socialism, while progressive Democrats countered that the resolution unfairly lumped those regimes together with policies like public investment and social programs common in the U.S.

Mamdani brushed off the resolution, stressing a focus on practical governance. His meeting with Trump reportedly stayed centered on issues like infrastructure and public safety, underscoring his intent to prioritize results over ideology as scrutiny intensifies.