New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani asks residents to ‘turn their air conditioners to 78 degrees’ amid heat wave; MAGA says: ‘This is what socialism looks like’

New York City Mayor’s Request Zoran Mamdani Asking residents to turn their air conditioners to 78°F (25.6°C) during a dangerous heat wave sparked a political controversy, with Republicans accusing him of promoting “socialism.”“As New York faces extreme temperatures, with the heat index expected to reach 110°F (43.3°C), Mamdani urged residents to help reduce the strain on the city’s power grid.He wrote: “New York: It’s hot outside and the grid is working overtime to keep us cool. Set air conditioners to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics not in use, and unplug everything you can. Our city is also doing its part: maintaining the 78-degree rule in buildings, dimming/turning off lights during peak power demand periods, asking private partners to do the same, and turning off non-essential equipment. A stable grid means air conditioners stay on, saving lives. Let’s alleviate needs and get through this together. “In a separate message, Mamdani also warned residents of worsening temperatures.He said: “New York, this heat wave It’s just the beginning. As dangerously high temperatures continue, be prepared and stay informed. Tomorrow’s heat index is expected to reach 110. Be prepared for extreme temperatures. Drink more water than usual. Reach out to vulnerable neighbors who may need help finding resources. Look for air conditioners and locate cooling centers wherever possible. “The call drew fierce opposition from Republican politicians across the country, many of whom linked the demand to socialism.Former DOGE leader Vivek Ramaswamy wrote: “Friends, this is what socialism looks like. The right answer is not restrictions or coercion. It’s drilling, fracking, coal and nuclear power.” This is how we grow in Ohio. “Former U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley also weighed in, writing: “Welcome to socialism.”Former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who broke away from the Trump administration, scoffed at the guidance, saying: “This is the worst campaign ad from the Democrats. Turn your air up to 78 degrees? God bless New York City!! America’s energy should be so powerful and plentiful that you never have to turn it up above 70 degrees if you don’t feel like it. And that’s coming from the Deep South in Georgia!!”Senator Ted Cruz also criticized the move, posting: “In a first world country you can turn on the air conditioning…”However, social media users pointed out that Cruz’s home state of Texas has made similar requests several times during periods of high power demand.The criticism comes as New York enters a multi-day sweltering spell that is expected to last into the holiday weekend. Officials warn that heavy use of air conditioners during peak hours could put additional strain on the city’s power grid. Recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting air conditioner temperatures between 75°F and 78°F (23.9°C and 25.6°C) to increase efficiency, and suggests that temperatures can be raised further when no one is in the home.