US President Donald Trump warned on Sunday that he would cut federal funds to New York City if Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist and his least favored mayoral candidate, is elected and "doesn't behave himself."

Speaking to Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, Trump described Mamdani as "a pure communist" and declared, "If he does get in, I’m going to be president, and he’s going to have to do the right thing, or they’re not getting any money." More than $100 billion flows to New York City annually from the federal government through various programs, according to the city's comptroller.

In response, Mamdani, speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, denied being a communist, stating, "No, I am not," adding that the president’s attacks were intended to divert attention from the core issues of his campaign.

"I’ve already had to get used to the president talking about how I look, sound, and where I’m from, all to distract from what I’m fighting for," he said.

Mamdani reaffirmed his intent to raise taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers, stating, “I don’t think that we should have billionaires," aiming to shift the tax burden from overtaxed homeowners in outer boroughs to wealthier, predominantly white neighborhoods. He emphasized that the plan is not racially motivated but instead addresses disparities in property taxation.

Inspired by civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., Mamdani quoted, "Call it democracy or call it democratic socialism. There has to be a better distribution of wealth for all of God’s children in this country."

Mixed Democratic reactions to Mamdani's candidacy

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While Mamdani received endorsement from progressive congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, he has not secured support from several major Democratic figures, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Hochul remarked, "Obviously, there are areas of difference in our positions, but I also think we need to have those conversations."

Mamdani expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Hochul, stating his policy platform is grounded in real-world conditions, "Ultimately, my policies, my vision, it’s driven by an assessment of what’s actually happening."

Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the June 24 Democratic primary, prompting concern among moderate Democrats. His campaign emphasized a return to working-class politics, with Mamdani stating, "We’re showing that by putting working people first and returning to the roots of the Democratic party, we actually have a path out of this moment where we’re facing authoritarianism in Washington, DC."

Addressing his stance on broader issues, Mamdani emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to be more than an anti-Trump platform, "Our campaign was for working people, bringing dignity back into those lives."

In response to his proposals to resist Trump administration policies, including an immigration crackdown and signaling the potential arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he enter New York, Trump dismissed Mamdani as “a radical left lunatic,” asserting he would be “very unsuccessful.”

Mamdani's primary win in NYC sends waves through the US

Zohran Mamdani's win in the democratic primaries has shocked the United States, as his momentum continues to remain unmatched.

Mamdani, recognized for his strong criticism of the Israeli occupation and his push for economic justice reforms, won 44% of votes in the race against Cuomo’s 36%.

His rapid political rise sent shockwaves through the establishment of the US' financial capital as he proposed ambitious policies, including wealth taxes on millionaires and corporations to fund sweeping social programs such as free public transportation, universal childcare subsidies, and government-imposed rent stabilization measures.

Real-estate stocks tumbled, billionaires dialed their estate lawyers, and Wall Street traders priced options on backup plans, as the incumbent Eric Adams, now weighed down by scandals and deserted by big-money donors, faces growing uncertainty.