“Inconceivable”: Trump on Mamdani’s Win, Threatens NYC Aid

President Donald Trump has declared a potential Zohran Mamdani mayoral victory in New York City “inconceivable” due to his perception of the candidate as “a pure communist,” further escalating his rhetoric by threatening to cut off federal aid to the city if Mamdani is elected and “doesn’t behave.” This strong condemnation and financial threat mark a dramatic intervention into the local election.
Trump’s warning, delivered during an interview with Fox News, highlights the depth of his opposition to Mamdani’s progressive agenda, which includes significant tax increases on the wealthy and a questioning of the existence of billionaires. The potential withholding of over $100 billion in federal funds could severely impact New York City’s budget and its ability to maintain crucial services.
Mamdani, appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press, firmly denied Trump’s “communist” accusation, attributing the personal attacks to an attempt to “distract from what I’m fighting for.” He articulated his vision for a more equitable New York, inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s call for wealth redistribution and his plan to shift the tax burden from “overtaxed homeowners” to wealthier areas, based on economic assessment.
Mamdani’s primary victory over Andrew Cuomo has undeniably reshaped the political landscape in New York, garnering support from progressives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez while also causing apprehension among some moderate Democrats. He maintains that his policies are driven by an objective assessment of the city’s needs and are aimed at empowering working people.