Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic frontrunner in New York City’s mayoral race, reaffirmed his stance against billionaires
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic frontrunner in New York City’s mayoral race, reaffirmed his stance against billionaires and defended his proposal to raise taxes on the city’s wealthiest residents.
“I don’t think that we should have billionaires because, frankly, it is so much money in a moment of such inequality,” Mamdani said on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday. “And I look forward to working with everyone, including billionaires, to make a city that is fair for all of them.”
The comments came after former President Donald Trump labeled Mamdani a “communist” during a White House appearance, later calling him a “100% Communist Lunatic” on Truth Social. Trump warned that Mamdani’s election would turn New York into “a communistic city.”
Asked directly if he identified as a communist, Mamdani responded, “I am not.”
Mamdani, a state assemblyman and self-described democratic socialist, defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a surprise win during the Democratic primary. He has pledged to make New York City more affordable by imposing a 2% tax hike on residents earning over $1 million annually.
“The reason I want to increase these taxes… is to increase quality of life for everyone, including those who are going to be taxed,” he told Kristen Welker.
Mamdani also pushed back against personal attacks from Trump and incumbent mayor Eric Adams, saying the criticism aims to distract from his progressive platform. With Adams and possibly Cuomo running as independents, a three-way race appears likely this November.
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