Donald Trump Jr. recently shared a campaign ad created using artificial intelligence, which Andrew Cuomo had previously withdrawn due to backlash from liberal circles. The ad, which depicted Zohran Mamdani as a favorite among criminals, sparked controversy and criticism.

Cuomo acted swiftly to remove the ad before engaging in his final debate against Mamdani, a 33-year-old socialist. The contentious ad featured various fictitious criminals voicing their support for Mamdani, painting him in a negative light.

The advertisement opens with a caricature of Mamdani racing through New York City, humorously eating rice with his hands—an act for which the real Mamdani had been ridiculed online.

Following this, the AI-generated characters, including individuals depicted as a shoplifter adorned in a keffiyeh, a domestic abuser, a 1970s-style pimp, and a drug dealer, all proclaimed themselves as “criminals for Zohran.”

The ad’s removal was prompt, with Rich Azzopardi, a representative for Cuomo, clarifying that its posting was an unintended mistake.

‘The video was a draft proposal that was neither finished nor approved, did not go through the normal legal process, and was inadvertently posted by a junior staffer — which is why it was taken down five minutes later,’ he said. 

However, Donald Trump Jr. was among many conservatives who discovered the clip and brought it back to viral life. 

The First Son wrote: ‘LMAO! Now let’s hear from New York City locals what they think of socialism and Mamdani!’ 

Donald Trump Jr. posted an AI-produced campaign ad that Andrew Cuomo had pulled after facing outrage from his fellow liberals for portraying Zohran Mamdani as beloved by criminals

Cuomo quickly removed the ad ahead of his final debate against the 33-year-old socialist Mamdani, which saw various fake criminals declare their support for his opponent

Much of the reaction to the clip from Democrats was universally negative. Cuomo is running as an independent after losing the primary to Mamdani. 

‘This is so gross and full of racist stereotypes, including a Black man dressed like a pimp trafficking a car full of white women,’ wrote Shannon Watts, founder of anti-gun group Moms Demand Action. ‘Cuomo needs to be thrown in the ash heap of history. 

Mamdani himself was furious at the clip, though his gripe was more with the use of artificial intelligence. 

He wrote: ‘In a city of world-class artists and production crew hunting for the next gig, Andrew Cuomo made a TV ad the same way he wrote his housing policy: with AI. Then again, maybe a fake Cuomo is better than the real one?’ 

It wasn’t the first time this week Cuomo used AI to mock Mamdani, as he posted a clip of him acting as the Austin Powers character Mini-Me to former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Dr. Evil. 

The tone of the campaign between Cuomo, Mamdani and Republican Curtis Sliwa has become more acrid as the November 4 election draws closer.  

Appearing on a conservative radio station Thursday, Cuomo appeared to laugh along at host Sid Rosenberg’s suggestion that Mamdani would ‘be cheering’ another 9/11 attack. 

‘That’s another problem,’ Cuomo replied.

The ad was quickly taken down, with Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi saying it was posted by accident.

However, Donald Trump Jr. was among many conservatives who discovered the clip and brought it back to viral life

While endorsing the former governor, Mayor Eric Adams invoked the possibility of terrorist attacks in New York City, seeming to suggest — without explanation — they would be more likely under a Mamdani administration.

‘New York can’t be Europe. I don’t know what is wrong with people,’ Adams said, standing alongside Cuomo. ‘You see what’s playing out in other countries because of Islamic extremism.’

At a debate earlier this week, Sliwa, the Republican candidate, falsely smeared Mamdani as a supporter of ‘global jihad.’

Asked about Rosenberg’s comments, Cuomo said he ‘didn’t take the remarks seriously at the time.’

‘Of course I think it’s an offensive comment. But it did not come out of my mouth,’ he added.

Cuomo has also lambasted Mamdani for a smiling photo alongside Siraj Wahhaj, a Brooklyn imam who the Democratic frontrunner called ‘one of the nation’s foremost Muslim leaders.’

Wahhaj was listed as an ‘unindicted co-conspirator’ in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. He was never charged with any wrongdoing.

‘When people tell you who they are, you should believe them – and Zohran, wipe that smile off your face,’ Cuomo told The New York Post.

It isn’t the first time this week Cuomo used AI to mock Mamdani, as he posted a clip of him acting as the Austin Powers character Mini-Me to former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Dr. Evil

Wahhaj had endorsed Mamdani in the Democratic primary.

Mamdani pointed out that Wahhaj had also previously met with Michael Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio, as well as campaigned alongside Eric Adams.

The imam was also the first Muslim to give an opening prayer for the US House of Representatives.

‘The only time it became an issue of national attention was when I met with him,’ Mamdani said. ‘And that’s because of the fact of my faith and because I’m on the precipice of winning this election.’

Mamdani said Thursday that Cuomo’s remarks showcased how bigotry and racism were problems in the Democratic Party.

He said: ‘This is disgusting. This is Andrew Cuomo’s final moments in public life and he’s choosing to spend them making racist attacks on the person who’d be the first Muslim to lead this city.’

In his speech Friday, Mamdani said he was aiming his remarks not at political opponents but at his fellow Muslim New Yorkers.

To that end, Mamdani said he would further embrace his Muslim identity, a decision he said he consciously avoided at the start of his campaign.

Cuomo picked up the endorsement of current Mayor Eric Adams (pictured left) earlier this week

Both Mamdani and Cuomo lead Curtis Sliwa (pictured), the Republican candidate, in the polls

‘I thought that if I behaved well enough, or bit my tongue enough in the face of racist, baseless attacks, all while returning back to my central message, it would allow me to be more than just my faith,’ Mamdani said. 

‘I was wrong. No amount of redirection is ever enough.’

He continued: ‘I will not change who I am, how I eat, or the faith that I’m proud to call my own. But there is one thing that I will change. I will no longer look for myself in the shadows. I will find myself in the light.’

Mamdani, who won the primary in stunning fashion, has faced skepticism from some in the Democratic establishment, particularly over his criticism of Israel. 

On Friday, Mamdani earned the endorsement of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.