MAGA Radio Host Apologizes After Insulting New York Mayor

Sid Rosenberg called Zohran Mamdani an 'America-hating, Jew-hating, Radical Islam cockroach' and a 'jihadist'.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A right-wing radio host in New York, Sid Rosenberg, has apologized after making inflammatory comments about New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Rosenberg called Mamdani an 'America-hating, Jew-hating, Radical Islam cockroach' and a 'jihadist' on his show. The comments came after Mamdani criticized U.S. airstrikes on Iran. Rosenberg initially refused to apologize, but later released a video saying his comments were 'a bit over the top' and that he had apologized to Mamdani.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between right-wing media personalities and progressive politicians, as well as the willingness of some conservative commentators to use extreme and inflammatory language. It also raises questions about the responsibility of media outlets to hold their hosts accountable for offensive rhetoric.

The details

Rosenberg unleashed his attack on Mamdani after the mayor called U.S. airstrikes on Iran 'a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression.' Initially, Rosenberg refused to apologize, saying 'No one can force me to apologize. I won't do it. I did nothing wrong!' However, after facing criticism, Rosenberg released a video the next day saying his comments were 'a bit over the top' and that he had apologized to Mamdani.

  • On March 5, 2026, Rosenberg made the inflammatory comments about Mamdani on his radio show.
  • On March 6, 2026, Rosenberg released a video apologizing for his comments.

The players

Sid Rosenberg

A right-wing radio host on WABC in New York who made inflammatory comments about New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who Rosenberg called an 'America-hating, Jew-hating, Radical Islam cockroach' and a 'jihadist'.

John Catsimatidis

The CEO of WABC, the radio station that hosts Rosenberg's show, who said the station would not tolerate 'personal attacks'.

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What they’re saying

“No one can force me to apologize. I won't do it. I did nothing wrong!”

— Sid Rosenberg, Radio Host (X)

“I should not resort to name-calling. I've already apologized to the mayor and it was heartfelt.”

— Sid Rosenberg, Radio Host (Sid and Friends in the Morning)

“Time will tell how sincere of an apology it is.”

— Zohran Mamdani (The Gothamist)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between right-wing media personalities and progressive politicians, as well as the need for media outlets to hold their hosts accountable for offensive rhetoric. It also raises questions about the responsibility of media figures to engage in civil discourse, even when discussing political disagreements.