Trump Labels NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani ‘Pure Communist,’ Threatens Federal Funding Cuts

President Trump has publicly criticized Zohran Mamdani, the presumptive Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, labeling him a "pure communist" and warning that the federal government would cut funding to New York if Mamdani wins the general election and does not comply with federal policies. Trump emphasized that whoever becomes mayor must "behave" or face severe financial consequences from the federal government, underscoring his administration’s expectation for cooperation, particularly on immigration enforcement. Mamdani, a democratic socialist who defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, has pledged to resist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the city, a position at odds with Trump’s deportation agenda. While Republicans have used Mamdani’s far-left views to challenge Democrats ahead of future elections, some prominent New York Democrats have distanced themselves from him without outright endorsement. The mayoral race also includes independent incumbent Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Silwa, with Trump indicating any winner must align with federal priorities or risk losing funding. Mamdani’s campaign has not formally responded to Trump’s accusations and threats.