Donald Trump Slams Zohran Mamdani’s “Tax, Tax, Tax” Plan for New Yorkers
Donald Trump will also be a party effected by the policy directly.
Updated April 17 2026, 1:42 p.m. ET
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Donald Trump has criticized Zohran Mamdani after previously saying he would not mind living in a city run by the mayor. The response comes after Mamdani introduced a tax proposal targeting ultra-wealthy New Yorkers.
Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, said that by taxing global elites and high-income residents in New York, the government could generate additional funds to support the city’s infrastructure and help balance the budget.
Zohran Mamdani and his wife at his inauguration
The Idea is to Make Sure the Fiscal Deficit is Balanced Out
Zohran Mamdani reiterated the goals of his administration in the city, stating that he wants the ultra-wealthy to pay what is owed so that working-class New Yorkers do not have to struggle.
An X User Compares Trump's approval rating s to Mamdani's
He said, “Alongside the governor, our administration is fighting every day to make sure we address this fiscal deficit fairly, where the wealthy contribute what they owe and our budget reflects our commitment to working New Yorkers being priced out of our city.”
Donald Trump, a longtime New York resident, falls within the group that Zohran Mamdani has proposed to tax at higher rates. He responded to the policy on Truth Social, writing, “It has no chance! The United States of America should not contribute to its failure. It will only get WORSE.”
He further wrote, “The TAX, TAX, TAX policies are so wrong. People are fleeing. They must change their ways, and fast. History has proven this ‘stuff’ just doesn’t work.”
Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani Had a Civil Conversation In the White House
Following Zohran Mamdani’s election as mayor, there was significant attention around his meeting with Donald Trump. Reports suggested the two had a productive conversation behind closed doors. When speaking to the press, Trump downplayed questions about Mamdani’s criticism of him, a moment that drew mixed reactions online across the political spectrum.
Donald Trump
However, the earlier cordiality appears to be fading as Zohran Mamdani moves forward with the reforms he has proposed. Donald Trump’s response to the policy aligns with his position, given both their political differences and the fact that he could be affected by the proposed tax measures.