Widely known for going after Zohran Mamdani’s politics, The New York Post kicked things up a notch on Monday (US time). Plastering the Indian-origin US assemblyman on the cover page of its physical newspaper copy dated October 27, 2025, the latest edition called out his “nepo baby status.”
Kyle Smith penned the piece as a “one-off” thing, given his affiliation to the Wall Street Journal as a film critic, and New Criterion as a theatre critic. As also emphasised by the writer himself, the article isn’t necessarily about Mamdani’s parents, but more about him being “an inexperienced neophyte,” who according to Kyle “couldn’t even run a halal cart.”
Zohran Mamdani’s ‘nepo baby’ status makes New York Post’s front cover
While Mamdani’s policies suggest that he backs the working class, the New York City mayoral nominee has often come under fire for his “elite” and “privileged” background. As has long been established, Mamdani is son to Oscar-nominated filmmaker Mira Nair, and renowned scholar and Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani. Despite being targeted over his well-connected and nepotistic associations, the Democratic socialist hasn’t glossed over his roots.
According to a New York Times report, Mamdani credited his parents for providing him with “privileged upbringing,” instead of white-washing his associations with the prominent duo. However, the New York Post made it a point to shed negative light on these ties once again, flashing the headline, “Mam-Child… Beware, NYC is no toy to hand to nepo baby like Zohran.”
Andrew Cuomo’s family tree in focus over ‘nepotism’ allegations – Netizens’ reminder
With the original NYP tweet having amassed over 3 million views at the time of writing, it was further amplified by countless re-shares and re-posts on X. Regardless of whether they supported Mamdani, many couldn’t help but chuckle at the fact Mamdani was being called out for his “nepo” connections when his Andrew Cuomo was “literally his opponent.”
Netizens dragged the US outlet for its “poor journalism” and singling out Mamdani like that, especially when his front-running mayoral rival was someone whose father shared equally deep ties with the US government.
Melanie D’Arrigo, a fellow New York politician, was one such user on the platform to call out The Post’s choice of words when it came to reporting about Mamdani. “Andrew Cuomo’s father was one of the most famous politicians New York has ever had, and every job Andrew Cuomo ever got, and race he ever won, started with that,” she wrote on X. “Andrew Cuomo is the old school, generational political family, nepo baby.”
American left-wing commentator Kyle Kulinski, who hosts his eponymously-titled podcast, commented, “Calling Zohran a nepo baby when his opponent is ANDREW CUOMO proves these dumba**es aren’t even trying anymore man.”
Someone else took a swipe at The Post: “Its insane that this is the line of attack when andrew cuomo is literally a nepo baby. in that the fact that his father was the governor of new york was literally the governor of new york before he was. i feel like im taking crazy pills!” In a follow-up comment they added, “he began his political career working on his dad’s campaign! that’s the most nepo baby you can be!”
Yet another person scoffed: “Zohran is the son of an academic and an Indy filmmaker. His opponent is the scion of a political dynasty. Look who the tabloid schmucks are calling a ‘nepo-baby.'”
Mamdani-haters continue to troll him
The official GOP page on X also tweeted the New York Post front cover, saying, “Communist Zohran Mamdani will destroy NYC with this radical agenda if elected.”
A page called ‘CityDeskNYC’ chimed in, calling The Post’s cover “a preview” instead of a “warning.”
Drawing parallels between Cuomo and Mandani, they added, “Cuomo’s father built a legacy—Andrew dismantled corruption. Mamdani’s father built a fortune—Zohran dismantles accountability. The Moreland Commission Cuomo launched exposed slush funds, corrupt unions, and pay-to-play schemes that Mamdani now institutionalizes through DSA-backed nonprofits and DEI grant mills. Kyle Smith’s right: Mamdani’s “free everything” fantasy is a handout to activist cartels, not New Yorkers.”
“Cuomo’s record? Subpoenas for corrupt pols, not photo-ops with anti-LGBTQ dictators. Melanie’s nepo-baby jab misses the point: Cuomo delivered results. Mamdani delivers slogans—and a city on the brink.”
Another MAGA and Trump ally said, “NYC is doomed,” in reference to Mamdani potentially being elected as the NYC mayor.
The New York Post front cover author defends his stance
When confronted about the “irony of disparging Zohran as a nepo baby while telling people to vote for Andrew Cuomo,” Smith reminded a user that Cuomo used to be a “cabinet secretary and was AG before he was governor.”
Acknowledging his experienced track record, the user still countered, “…but him being the son of Mario Cuomo is way more responsible for his political career than being the son of Mira Nair is for Zohran’s.” To this, Kyle Smith added, “I didn’t even mention his parents bro did you read past the headline.”
Who is Andrew Cuomo’s father?
The now-Independent NYC mayoral hopeful is the son of Mario Matthew Cuomo, who served as the 52nd governor of New York for three terms. Much like Cuomo’s former affiliation with the Democratic party, his father was also a member of the left-leaning party. The late Italian-origin American lawyer even held the posts of the NY lieutenant governor and NY secretary of state.
Andrew Cuomo’s father is not the only prominent figure in the family. His younger brother Chris Cuomo is a NewsNation anchor, and was previously attached to CNN as well. Meanwhile, his elder sister is Margaret Cuomo, a renowned radiologist.