Donald Trump Jr. throws his weight behind “MAGA fighter” Inna Vernikov in Brooklyn’s heated Republican primary, dismissing her opponent Ari Kagan as a “hack and fake Republican.”
Key Takeaways
- Donald Trump Jr. has endorsed City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov in Brooklyn’s 48th Council District Republican primary, praising her as a “MAGA fighter.”
- Inna Vernikov, elected in 2021, has built her reputation fighting antisemitism on college campuses and supporting Trump
- Ari Kagan, a former Democrat who switched parties, is characterized by Trump Jr. as a “hack and fake Republican.”
- The 48th District, which includes Brighton Beach and Gravesend, has a significant Jewish population and diverse demographics
- Vernikov’s campaign has faced controversy, including an incident where she carried a firearm at an anti-Israel rally
Trump Jr. Endorses “MAGA Fighter” Vernikov
The battle for Brooklyn’s 48th Council District has intensified as Donald Trump Jr. officially threw his support behind incumbent City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov. In a powerful endorsement that underscores the district’s importance to Republican politics in New York City, Trump Jr. praised Vernikov as a true “MAGA fighter” while dismissing her opponent, Ari Kagan, as nothing more than a “hack and fake Republican.” This high-profile endorsement arrives at a crucial time in the primary race, underscoring Vernikov’s strong alignment with the Trump administration and its agenda.
Vernikov, first elected in 2021, has positioned herself as a staunch defender of conservative values in a city dominated by liberal politics. Her campaign emphasizes her efforts to combat rising antisemitism on college campuses, her support for Israel, and her outspoken opposition to Russian aggression against Ukraine. Vernikov has cultivated a relationship with the Trump family, including meeting with President Trump in 2022, solidifying her credentials as a loyal supporter of his America First agenda. The endorsement from Trump Jr. further cements her status as the Trump-backed candidate in this contentious primary.
Kagan’s Democrat Past Becomes Liability
Ari Kagan, Vernikov’s opponent, faces an uphill battle against the Trump-endorsed incumbent. Having immigrated from Belarus and built a career in journalism before entering politics, Kagan’s biggest liability in the Republican primary is his history as a Democrat. After switching parties, Kagan has struggled to convince voters of his Republican credentials, a weakness that Trump Jr.’s endorsement of Vernikov specifically targets. Kagan has attempted to focus his campaign on local issues, questioning Vernikov’s dedication to constituent services, but the Trump endorsement threatens to overshadow these efforts.
“Donald Trump Jr. has endorsed Brooklyn City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov in her Republican primary battle against Ari Kagan,” reported the New York Post, adding that Trump Jr. specifically called Vernikov a “MAGA fighter” while dismissing Kagan as a “hack and fake Republican.”
In a district with a significant number of Russian-speaking immigrants and a strong Jewish community, the endorsement by Trump Jr. could prove decisive. Many voters in Brighton Beach, Gravesend, and surrounding neighborhoods have responded positively to Vernikov’s unapologetic conservative stance and her alignment with Trump’s policies, particularly on issues related to public safety, immigration enforcement, and support for Israel. Kagan’s attempt to position himself as a moderate Republican may fall flat in a primary where Trump loyalty has become a litmus test for candidates.
Controversy and Strong Stances
Vernikov’s tenure has not been without controversy. Most notably, she faced legal scrutiny for carrying a firearm at an anti-Israel rally in 2023. Despite having a concealed carry permit, New York law prohibits carrying firearms at protests. This incident, however, has not significantly dampened her support among her base, who view her as a principled fighter willing to stand up for her beliefs even when facing criticism. Her strong stands against antisemitism and in support of Israel have resonated deeply with her constituents in southern Brooklyn.
While Vernikov has attracted criticism from some quarters for her uncompromising positions and occasional controversies, these same qualities have endeared her to conservative voters looking for a fighter who won’t back down. Her Ukrainian background and outspoken criticism of Russian policies have also helped her connect with the district’s significant Eastern European population. With the Trump Jr. endorsement adding momentum to her campaign, Vernikov appears well-positioned to maintain her hold on the 48th Council District seat in a city where Republican representation is increasingly rare.
As early voting begins and the primary approaches, the race between Vernikov and Kagan highlights the evolving nature of Republican politics in urban areas. The Trump endorsement signifies the continued influence of the Trump movement in local races, even in traditionally Democratic strongholds like New York City. For conservatives in Brooklyn’s 48th District, the choice between a “MAGA fighter” and a former Democrat illustrates the ideological battles shaping the future of the Republican Party across America.
