Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Independence Day address, accusing the Democrat mayor of promoting a "communist" view of American history after Mamdani urged Americans to acknowledge the nation's shortcomings while celebrating its 250th anniversary, the Washington Examiner reported on Sunday.

Speaking over the weekend from the Governor's Room at New York City Hall, Mamdani said the United States remains exceptional because it allows for change and continual self-improvement.

"Our nation marks 250 years since we declared our independence," Mamdani said. "America is exceptional because here, nothing is fixed in place."

Mamdani argued that patriotism requires confronting the country's failures as well as its achievements, while framing New York City's immigrant history as central to the nation's identity.

Pratt, responding in an Instagram post, denounced the speech and criticized Mamdani for delivering the address from George Washington's ceremonial desk at City Hall.

"We all had to sit and watch that vile commie mayor sit on the wrong side of our Founding Fathers' desk to try and lecture us about our own history," Pratt wrote.

Pratt argued that political movements he said are associated with communism seek to undermine national identity by challenging historical narratives.

"The communist must attack your history," Pratt said. "Why? Because history is what anchors you. It's what makes us attached to something."

He likened the nation's history to a family home built over generations, arguing that without shared memories and traditions, people lose their connection to their country.

"If you have no memories to attach you to it, it's just wood and drywall — who cares? Get rid of it," Pratt said.

Pratt rejected Mamdani's characterization of American history as one that requires greater emphasis on its shortcomings, arguing instead that patriotism should center on national pride.

"It's okay to love America; not only is it okay, it's necessary," Pratt said.