Actor James Woods ignited a fervent debate during an appearance on conservative commentator Benny Johnson’s podcast on Monday, July 27, 2026, by characterizing New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s election as "the most dangerous event" in modern American history. Woods, known for his outspoken conservative views, stated that Mamdani's victory could mark a pivotal moment for the United States, drawing parallels to profound historical shifts.
"I think the election of Mandani was the most dangerous event to happen in this country since, the Civil War and slavery, horrible, beyond imagination." — James Woods, Actor
During "The Benny Show," Johnson prompted Woods for his reaction to Mamdani's election. Woods articulated a belief that Mamdani's ascent to office, coupled with what he described as the expansion of Muslim communities across parts of the country, could be viewed retrospectively as a critical juncture for the nation. He underscored his concerns by stating that America, which he lauded as "the greatest human endeavor in the history of humankind," was grappling with severe challenges.
Woods' anxieties primarily revolved around what he perceived as alterations to American culture and existing immigration policies. He pointed to New York City's historical significance as the site of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, questioning how the city would navigate these complex issues under Mamdani's leadership. The actor drew comparisons between his current apprehensions and the concerns he recalled following then-President Barack Obama's statement about his intent to "fundamentally change America." He also referenced President Donald Trump’s "Make America Great Again" slogan in his discussion of the political transformations he believes are impacting the nation.
Further elaborating on his concerns, Woods explicitly linked Mamdani’s election to the memory of the 9/11 attacks, recalling the devastation of the World Trade Center and the lives lost. He posed questions about the nation's capacity to permit what he termed a "Muslim invasion" and used the metaphor of "cancer" to describe his perspective on Islam's role within American society. Woods acknowledged that some might interpret his comments as prejudiced but asserted that his critique was directed at the religion itself rather than individual people. He characterized Islam as a political movement and offered interpretations of its religious texts.
Identifying himself as Catholic, Woods affirmed the right of individuals of all faiths to practice their beliefs in the United States. However, he stated his opposition to religious doctrines that he claimed promote violence against nonbelievers. He reiterated these concerns by referring to "Team Muslim" and "Team Islam," contending that followers of the religion seek to harm those who do not share their beliefs. Woods went on to predict that Muslims would "outbreed" and kill Americans, suggesting that similar events were unfolding globally. He cited instances of violence against Christians in Sudan and other countries, asserting that Christian communities were being eradicated, a point he attributed to reports from Breitbart.
The discussion also touched upon the upcoming anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Woods questioned whether Mayor Mamdani would deliver a speech at the World Trade Center site, a query that reportedly elicited laughter during the interview. Johnson responded by stating that some relatives of the victims of the 9/11 attacks had reportedly requested that Mamdani not participate in the commemorations.
Beyond cultural and religious concerns, Woods also addressed potential economic impacts. He predicted that some New York residents would opt to leave the city due to Mamdani’s proposed tax policies. Woods argued that higher taxes could diminish the city’s tax base, potentially leading to increased federal financial intervention in New York City’s affairs. He concluded his remarks by stating that while New Yorkers were entitled to their electoral decisions, voters would ultimately experience the consequences of their choices. Woods' comments have since circulated widely, sparking considerable discussion across social media platforms and conservative news outlets.
