Trump to Mamdani: “Do the right thing” in stern warning

Washington:

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning regarding New York City's federal funding if Democratic Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the upcoming mayoral election. Trump called Mamdani a “pure communist” and said his victory would be "inconceivable" and disastrous for the city.

Speaking on Fox News, Trump said, “If he does get in, I’m going to be president, and he’s going to have to do the right thing. Otherwise, New York is not getting any money. He’s got to behave himself.”

New York currently receives over $100 billion in federal support across various sectors, according to the city comptroller. Trump warned that Mamdani’s leadership would jeopardize that, citing concerns over his policies and ideology.

Trump, who grew up in New York and built his real estate empire there, criticized the possibility of a socialist—or as he put it, a "communist"—leading the city. “He’s going to be the mayor of New York? That’s very bad for the city,” Trump added.

Mamdani Responds

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman of Indian-Ugandan origin, responded on Sunday talk shows, pushing back against Trump's comments. On NBC's Meet the Press, he clarified, “No, I am not a communist.”

Mamdani reaffirmed his commitment to keeping New York a sanctuary city and said Trump was resorting to personal attacks because he wants to distract from the real issues. “I’m fighting for the working people he promised to help but ultimately betrayed,” Mamdani said.

Mamdani, who rose to prominence with a grassroots campaign focused on affordable housing, free childcare, and public transit, had lagged behind ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo in polls before a stunning turnaround win. His campaign has electrified progressives and rattled the political establishment.

Current Mayor Eric Adams is seeking re-election as an independent, and Cuomo is also reportedly considering a run as an unaffiliated candidate. As the 2025 mayoral race heats up, tensions between the White House and New York City may be just beginning.