NEW YORK – US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by threatening to withhold federal funding from New York City (NYC) if first Muslim Zohran Mamdani, a rising political figure and vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, is elected mayor.
In a recent interview with Fox News, Trump warned that he would hold Zohran Mamdani accountable if he assumes office, stating, “If he (Zohran Mamdani) gets elected mayor, I will hold him accountable as president. If he doesn’t make the right decisions, New York won’t get a single penny.”
Trump went further in his criticism, labeling Mamdani a “communist” and claiming his leadership would be “disastrous” for the city.
“I never thought it could happen but now we’re facing a communist,” Trump said.
Zohran Mamdani, currently a New York State Assembly member, has emerged as a prominent candidate in the race for mayor. Known for his outspoken support for Palestinian rights and his criticism of Israeli policies, Mamdani co-founded the college chapter of “Students for Justice in Palestine” and participated in a hunger strike outside the White House in 2023, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
In a major political upset, Zohran Mamdani recently defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, bringing him one step closer to becoming New York City’s first Muslim mayor — a milestone hailed as historic by the American Muslim community and progressive groups.
Trump’s comments have drawn backlash from the civil rights advocates and political observers, who see the threats as an attempt to undermine the democratic processes and stoke fear around progressive and minority leadership.
The critics have also noted Trump’s history of making similar threats to cut funding from the states, institutions and officials who oppose his policies.
As the New York mayoral race intensifies, Zohran Mamdani’s campaign continues to gain momentum while Trump’s remarks have further polarized public opinion.
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