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President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off federal funding to New York City if Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, is elected and refuses to align with his administration’s policies.

Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, last week Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and Queens Assemblymember, secured the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor in a stunning upset. He defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was widely considered the frontrunner. Mamdani’s victory has electrified progressives and grassroots organizers while drawing sharp criticism from some Democrats, moderates, conservatives, and pro-Israel groups. Supporters praise his equity-driven platform, which includes freezing rents on all rent-stabilized apartments, launching city-owned grocery stores, offering free public transportation and childcare, raising the minimum wage to $30 per hour by 2030, and reallocating hundreds of millions of dollars from the NYPD to mental health services. Critics, however, have labeled his proposals unrealistic and divisive, with some accusing him of antisemitism due to his vocal support for Palestinian rights and rhetoric on Israel.

What’s going on now: During an interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures, President Donald Trump warned that if Mamdani becomes mayor of New York City, he will “have to do the right thing, or they’re not getting any money.” Trump continued to suggest that federal funding for the city would be contingent on Mamdani’s cooperation with his administration.

Trump added, “Whoever is mayor of New York is going to have to behave themselves or the federal government is going down very tough on them financially.” Cuts to the city would be significant. According to the New York Comptroller, the state receives over $100 billion in federal aid annually (with large portions directed to New York City).

Trump went on to label Mamdani a “communist,” adding, “I think it’s very bad for New York. I don’t know that he’s going to get in. It’s inconceivable.”