The warmth of collectivism is apparently literal in Zohran Mamdani's New York City. On Wednesday, amid a dangerous heat wave, the mayor asked New Yorkers to set their thermostats to 78 degrees, turn off lights and electronics, and unplug what they can to ease the strain on the city's power grid.
Apparently he can promise higher taxes on the wealthy, rent freezes, five city-run grocery stores, free public transportation, and free childcare, but the one thing the socialist vision draws the line at is your air conditioning.
New York City Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani is CATCHING serious HEAT after DEMANDING all businesses and residents turn their AC to 78 DEGREES and “turn off lights/electronics you're not using, and unplug what you can” to alleviate stress on the power grid.
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) July 1, 2026
Ahhh yes, the… pic.twitter.com/WW6d8D5a8C
"New York: it's hot out there, and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool. Set your AC to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics you're not using, and unplug what you can," Mamdani wrote on X. "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."
New York: it's hot out there, and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool.
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) July 1, 2026
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,…
Like most crises under this administration, the response wasn't to pursue any of the market-oriented tools available to ease strain on the grid, mechanisms that reward conservation and incentivize supply without asking anyone to sacrifice their comfort. Instead, the solution offered by the socialist was rationing, ironic, given his promise that his own brand of socialism would somehow be different from every other time history has tried it.
The reaction online was swift, and unforgiving.
https://t.co/67kHH4UBz1 pic.twitter.com/NQXQMYUjam
— Daniel Di Martino (@DanielDiMartino) July 2, 2026
Communism always goes the same way. They smile & promise you the world. Free this, free that, abundance for all! How? Don't ask!
— Spencer Pratt (@spencerpratt) July 1, 2026
Then they get into power, and the rationing begins. First a smiley ask. Then a demand. Then a bullet. "You used too much energy, comrade" https://t.co/lyXZq62rwN
78 degrees? My AC does not go above 68 in the summer. This is America for God’s sake. https://t.co/vJ4XuTK05o
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) July 2, 2026
Editor’s Note: New York City is now facing the consequences of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s socialist takeover.
Help us continue to report on his radical policies and expose the Democrats who support him. Join Townhall VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member