President Donald Trump threatened to cut New York City’s federal funding if Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the upcoming mayoral election.
Mamdani, a progressive candidate who identifies as a democratic socialist, has floated a tax hike on incomes over $1 million and a rise in corporate taxes to match those in New Jersey. Trump is currently pushing a spending package that would make tax cuts for wealthy Americans permanent. Speaking on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Trump called Mamdani a “communist” and said he needs to “do the right thing.”
“I think it’s very bad for New York. I don’t know that he’s gonna get in. It’s inconceivable,” he said. “He’s pure Communist. I think he admits it. I can’t imagine it, but let’s say this: If he does get in, I’m gonna be president, then he’s going to have to do the right thing, but they’re not getting any money. He’s got to do to the right thing.”
Also on Sunday, Mamdani stopped by “Meet the Press” to discuss his campaign and platform. Riffing on a common question about Israel that has dogged Mamdani’s campaign, Kristen Welker asked if billionaires “have a right to exist.”
“I don’t think that we should have billionaires,” he said. “Frankly, it is so much money in a moment of such inequality, and ultimately, what we need more of is equality across our city and across our state and across our country. And I look forward to work with everyone, including billionaires, to make a city that is fairer for all of them.”
He also said that his tax hikes would support initiatives that made New York City more affordable, something that he said would ultimately benefit New York City businesses.
“I want to make clear that my vision for this city is a vision for every single New Yorker, including business leaders across the city,” Mamdani said. “Because when I have conversations with them what I also hear is just how expensive this city is is preventing them from attracting and retaining the talent they need to grow their business.”
Mamdani faces a hard road to Gracie Mansion. His chief opponent in the Democratic primary, Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, is planning to run as an independent. He’ll be joined by incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who did not compete in the Democratic primary. Trump balked on Sunday when asked who he would support in the upcoming election.
“Whoever’s mayor of New York is going to have to behave themselves, or the federal government is coming down very tough on them financially,” he said.
Watch Mamdani’s interview below:
