New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced widespread criticism online after advising residents to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees Fahrenheit amid a severe heat wave that strained the city's power grid. The suggestion, posted on social media platform X, was met with accusations of promoting communism and socialism.
Mamdani's office issued the guidance as the city experienced extreme temperatures, with officials warning that conditions could feel as hot as 112 degrees Fahrenheit. "New York: it's hot out there, and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool," Mamdani stated on X. "Set your AC to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics you're not using, and unplug what you can. Our City is doing its part too: maintaining the 78 degrees rule in our buildings, dimming/turning off our lights during peak electricity demand, asking private partners to do the same, and powering down non-essential equipment. A stable grid means the AC stays on, and lives are saved. Let's ease demand — and get through the heat — together."
The post garnered over 36.5 million views and significant backlash from various conservative figures and commentators. Spencer Pratt, a reality TV personality and former Los Angeles mayoral candidate, questioned, "Show us your thermostat, commie." Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy reacted, "78 degrees??? Welcome to communism people! Hope you enjoy!" Republican Representative Brandon Gill criticized the suggestion as an example of socialism where "the government demands you turn your house into a sauna because they can't plan for the super unpredictable fact that it tends to get hot in the summer." Conservative commentator Matt Walsh stated, "My AC does not go above 68 in the summer. This is America for God’s sake." Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders commented, "Turns out socialism actually isn’t free."
Mamdani, who was elected in November 2025 and sworn in on January 1, 2026, has seen his political influence grow in New York City. His slate of endorsed candidates reportedly won their primary elections recently. Following these electoral successes, former Vice President Kamala Harris connected with Mamdani by phone, signaling his base's potential importance in future Democratic presidential nomination contests. Mamdani's policy suggestions and their reception come as the city implements emergency heat measures and grapples with the demands placed on its infrastructure during extreme weather events. The mayor's office did not immediately respond to requests for further comment regarding the public reaction to his temperature advisory. He was seen speaking at a Juneteenth celebration on June 16, 2026.