‘He's a communist... I'll have fun watching him': Trump targets Zohran Mamdani, vows to cut NYC funds if Democratic frontrunner becomes mayor
New York City's Democratic mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani has drawn sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump, who labeled the progressive candidate a 'communist' and a 'nut job' during a press conference, vowing to block federal funds if Mamdani doesn't 'do the right thing.
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'He's a communist. The last thing we need is a communist,' Trump said, adding, 'I think I'm going to have a lot of fun watching him because he has to come right through this building to get his money.'
Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and state Assembly member, had earlier denied the claims on NBC's Meet the Press, saying, 'No, I am not [a communist]… Trump wants to distract from what I'm fighting for, working people he pretended to represent.'
Trump's threat to NYC over sanctuary city stance
Trump also threatened to cut federal aid to New York City if Mamdani sticks to his promise of maintaining sanctuary city policies. 'If he gets in, I'm going to be president,' Trump said on Fox News. 'He's going to have to do the right thing or they're not getting any money.'
Mamdani countered that the current Mayor Eric Adams has 'worked with the Trump administration to build the largest deportation force in American history.'
He promised to push back on federal overreach and expand anti-hate crime funding by 800%.
Party backlash and controversy over speech
Mamdani's rise has sparked unease not just from Republicans but also among establishment Democrats. Sen Kirsten Gillibrand falsely accused him of supporting 'global jihad,' later walking back the claim. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declined to endorse Mamdani, citing discomfort with his past use of the phrase 'globalize the intifada,' though Mamdani says he never used that term.
'I don't want to debate which words are permissible,' Mamdani said. 'That starts sounding a lot like Trump's leadership style.'
Primary lead, ranked-choice count underway
Mamdani declared victory last week after defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary's first round, though final certification under the city's ranked-choice system is expected July 15. If confirmed, Mamdani would be the city's first Muslim and Indian American mayor.
Cuomo, who hasn't ruled out a November run as an independent, centered his campaign on public safety and combating antisemitism, banking on name recognition while avoiding public appearances. Incumbent Eric Adams, running as an independent after exiting the primary amid a federal investigation, has since resumed campaign activity.
'Populist blueprint' or GOP target?
Mamdani's platform, free buses, childcare, rent freezes, and city-run grocery stores funded by taxing the wealthy, has been derided by critics as 'unrealistic.' Still, his upset victory has energized progressives and rattled the political mainstream.
'If I'm a Republican, I want this guy to win,' said Syracuse University political science professor Grant Reeher. 'He becomes a foil for the national GOP to define the far-left.'
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