In a historic victory, 33-year-old Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani emerged as a leading contender in New York City’s mayoral race, becoming one of the first Indian Americans and the first Muslim to secure a frontrunner position in the city’s Democratic primaries. If elected, Mamdani would be the first Indian-American and Muslim mayor in New York City’s history.

Mamdani’s progressive platform, focused on addressing affordability in one of the world’s most expensive cities resonated with voters, earning him 43.5% of the vote. His campaign emphasised rent freezes, expanded social welfare programs, and a tax on the wealthiest 1% of New Yorkers to fund these initiatives.

In the wake of Mamdani’s victory, far-right and MAGA-aligned social media users circulated a digitally altered image of the Statue of Liberty draped in a black burqa, intended to stoke fears of an alleged “Islamisation” of America. The image, depicting an iconic symbol of freedom in Islamic dress, sought to suggest a fundamental shift in national identity. Ironically, the original designs for the Statue of Liberty were partly inspired by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi’s sketches of veiled Egyptian women, what some have referred to as a Muslim heritage behind the statue’s conception.

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Though widely recognised today as a gift from France to the United States commemorating their alliance during the American and French revolutions, Lady Liberty’s original conception was quite different. Before she became the Roman-inspired goddess we know today, the statue was envisioned as a Muslim woman, a humble peasant in traditional Arab dress, holding a lantern aloft as both a lighthouse and a symbol of progress.

This lesser-known origin begins with Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the French sculptor behind the statue’s design. During his travels to Egypt in the mid-19th century, Bartholdi became captivated by the grandeur of ancient architecture, particularly the towering statues at Abu Simbel. The massive monuments sparked his fascination with large-scale public works and inspired him to dream of a colossal sculpture to mark the entrance of the newly constructed Suez Canal.

Bartholdi proposed a statue titled Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia, depicting a veiled Muslim woman as a symbol of enlightenment and progress. The statue was planned to stand 86 feet tall atop a 48-foot pedestal. As Barry Moreno, historian and author of several books on the statue, notes: “Taking the form of a veiled peasant woman,” the figure was intended to embody Egypt’s modern aspirations.

However, Bartholdi’s proposal was rejected by the Egyptian government. Undeterred, he redirected his vision westward. Years later, he reimagined the concept, swapping the Arab peasant for a classical Roman goddess, and offered it to the United States. This reworked version eventually became the Statue of Liberty, installed in New York Harbor in 1886, where it has since become one of the most enduring symbols of American ideals.

“NYC chose their destiny”

MAGA supporters flooded with comments on these images on social media. A user stated, “NYC went from we will never forget…to forgot about everything.” Another added, “NYC chose their destiny.” ” NYC in 2001: We will never forget! NYC in 2025: Elects Muslim jihadist! NYC in 2040: Obey Sharia Law or leave! NYC in 2060: Convert to Islam or die!,” added a netizen. “They’re really not learning from the UK at all bro,” said a user. Another claimed,” The stupidity of NYC voting for their own demise! While the Jihadist might have won the primary as the Democrat candidate, it doesn’t mean he’s going to be mayor! But if he in fact does win, DOOM on those who blindly opted to vote for their own city’s downfall!”