On Sunday, President Donald Trump fired off a characteristically colorful warning to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, the democratic socialist who stunned the political world last week by toppling former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.
Trump, never one to mince words, dubbed Mamdani a “lunatic” and declared it “inconceivable” that someone like him could actually win the mayoralty—though, he added with a wink of menace, if Mamdani does take City Hall, “he’s going to need to do the right thing, or they’re not getting any money.”
In Trump-speak: welcome to the big leagues, kid—watch your step or no soup for you.
The President scoffed at the idea of a Mamdani victory, insisting it was out of the question because, in his words, the candidate is a “pure communist”—a political flavor he believes New Yorkers would never acquire a taste for. Whether that’s political analysis or wishful thinking, Trump made it clear he thinks the city that never sleeps won’t be cozying up to socialism anytime soon.
“Let’s say this,” Trump told Fox News, “If he does get in, I’m going to be president and he is going to have to do the right thing, but they’re not getting any money. He’s got to do the right thing. It’s shocking that I would have assumed that. I used to say we will never have a socialist in this country. No, but we’ll have a communist. I mean, he’s a communist, he’s gonna be mayor of New York.”
“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 repeated.
Per capita, in 2023, New Yorkers contributed $16,355, about 28% more than the national average—and received $17,266 in federal outlays, ranking 3rd in contributions and 21st in benefits. However, a broader analysis from 2023 shows New York paid around $89 billion more in federal taxes than it received overall. Both California and New York State are contemplating a halt on Federal tax payments should the President decide to punish the two Blue states by withholding support.
Early returns paint a jubilant picture of Zohran Mamdani’s campaign, which lit up the city with a youth-fueled, multiracial movement that drew in previously disengaged voters from all corners of the five boroughs. His message landed especially well in heavily Asian and Hispanic districts, where turnout surged. In Ridgewood, Queens, Mamdani racked up a staggering 80% of the vote; in neighboring Bushwick, Brooklyn, he wasn’t far behind with 79%—a landslide in the very neighborhoods where his energized, progressive base lives, works, and dances till dawn.
Election night felt like a citywide block party. Bars in North Brooklyn projected results like it was the Super Bowl, with jubilant crowds erupting in cheers at every update. The New York Times cheekily dubbed the area “the Commie Corridor,” a nickname proudly embraced by the neighborhood’s hoodie-clad leftists. And in a twist no one saw coming, even voters in the Financial District—the spiritual home of Wall Street—tipped their hats to the democratic socialist.
To prevent a Zohran Mamdani victory in November, Donald Trump could rally conservative and moderate voters in New York by portraying Mamdani as too radical for the city, emphasizing his democratic socialist platform, and highlighting potential economic consequences. He can also remind Jewish voters of the candidate’s affiliation with some bad antisemites and his famous threat to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he set foot in NYC.
Trump could also endorse and fundraise for a more centrist or pro-business opponent, mobilize national Republican support, and use media appearances to energize opposition. Additionally, he might attempt to tie Mamdani to unpopular national figures or policies, frame the race as a referendum on far-left politics, and pressure federal agencies or funding mechanisms to cast doubt on Mamdani’s governance credibility.
And finally, there’s always the Democratic party, which is renowned for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. So, with four months remaining till November 4, election day, let’s find a centrist candidate who is young, educated, and normal.
The leading Republican candidate for the November NYC mayoral race is Curtis Sliwa, a former Guardian Angels founder and current GOP nominee. Known for his tough-on-crime stance, Sliwa has racked up over $1 million in campaign donations and continues his run despite pressure to step aside.
Oh, and he’s 71 – not a great vote-getter in this city.
Other Republicans considering or historically linked to the race include Fernando Mateo, a businessman with ties to the Hispanic community, and Nicole Malliotakis, a U.S. representative who could appeal to moderate conservatives. Have you heard about them? I haven’t either.
So, get your prayer rugs ready, and watch those minarets rising among the skyscrapers.
