Mamdani's 78-degree plea sparks GOP backlash over energy policy
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to set thermostats to 78 degrees, turn off unused lights/electronics, and unplug nonessential devices to prevent overloading the power grid during extreme heat, with city buildings also following the guidance. The post triggered a wave of Republican criticism labeling it socialist, with comments from Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, Ted Cruz, and Dave Portnoy; a note acknowledged Texas had previously issued a similar 78-degree recommendation.