Indian-origin Zohran Mamdani has become New York City’s new mayor after a very controversial election race against former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa are also major contenders.
But Mamdani’s sudden rise has shaken the city’s wealthy elite and led to sharp opposition from Republicans and even US President Donald Trump, who has thrown his support behind Cuomo.
“Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!,” US President posted on Tuesday on Truth Social. Here are five reasons why Trump and America’s billionaires dislike Zohran Mamdani:
Financial Policy
Mamdani’s economic ideas directly challenge the city’s richest residents. In an interview with NBC, he defended his plan to tax “richer and whiter” neighbourhoods, arguing that the city’s property tax system is unfair.
As a Democratic Socialist, Mamdani has said he does not believe billionaires should exist because of the inequality their wealth creates.
His plans include freezing rents, offering free public buses, providing universal childcare, and raising taxes on the wealthiest 1%. He also wants to shift property tax burdens away from rich neighbourhoods.
To many billionaires, this agenda is a direct threat to their wealth and influence. Hedge fund managers like Bill Ackman, real estate moguls, and other wealthy elites have reportedly poured millions into campaigns to stop him.
They see him as a danger to the system that protects their privileges and tax breaks.
According to a J.L. Partners poll for the Daily Mail, nearly one million New Yorkers are ready to leave the city if Mamdani wins. The survey, which polled 500 registered voters between October 23–26, found that 9% would “definitely” move, while 25% are considering it, roughly 2.12 million people.
With Mamdani possibly headed for victory, these numbers reflect growing anxiety about his progressive economic plans, rent freezes, and fare-free public transport. While many like his vision of expanded childcare and public services, others fear the costs will be too high.
Trump vs Mamdani
Trump has made it clear he backs Andrew Cuomo. He also warned that if Mamdani wins, New York City would not receive much federal help.
He posted on Truth Social, “This once great City has ZERO chance of success, or even survival! It can only get worse with a Communist at the helm, and I don’t want to send, as President, good money after bad. It is my obligation to run the Nation, and it is my strong conviction that New York City will be a Complete and Total Economic and Social Disaster should Mamdani win.”
Trump has also warned Jews, saying, “Any Jewish person that votes for Zohran Mamdani, a proven and self professed JEW HATER, is a stupid person!!!”
Mamdani and his Muslim identity
Mamdani who is a Muslim candidate has spoken openly about his faith and his family’s experiences with anti-Muslim bias after 9/11. He has said his aunt was once afraid to take the subway while wearing a hijab.
Mamdani has promised to stand up for Muslim New Yorkers and refuses to hide his religion to gain political acceptance. However, some of his opponents accuse him of being anti-Israel and antisemitic, claims Mamdani and his supporters say are Islamophobic attacks.
He continues to speak about Muslim rights and equality while facing criticism for his outspoken identity in a climate of religious tension.
The ‘Globalize the Intifada’ controversy
Mamdani came under fire for his comments on the phrase “globalize the intifada.” He said he would not use the term himself but explained that many see it as an expression of support for Palestinians.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Mamdani said the phrase, to him, means protesting Israeli occupation in Gaza. He added that he would discourage the use of that particular wording but not the message behind it.
During his campaign, Mamdani pointed out that the term “intifada” has also been used by the US Holocaust Memorial Museum to describe a Jewish uprising against the Nazis in Warsaw in 1943. “It pains me to be called an antisemite,” he told reporters.
Strong views against right-wing policies
Mamdani has also been a vocal critic of right-wing politics abroad, especially those linked to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has called Modi a “war criminal” for his alleged role in the 2002 Gujarat riots, where many Muslims were killed.
Mamdani has accused Modi of trying to build an India that excludes certain communities, saying he stands for a pluralistic India where all religions belong.
His harsh criticism of Hindu nationalism has angered Modi supporters, while his opposition to leaders like Modi and Netanyahu has strengthened his image as a strong progressive voice.