‘Are You a Communist?’: Zohran Mamdani Responds to Critics

Zohran Mamdani

Democratic nominee for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has sparked controversy over his call for the "abolition of private property" as a means to guarantee housing for all residents. His proposal has drawn sharp criticism from conservatives and property rights advocates, with President Donald Trump labeling the ideas as "dangerous" and likening them to communism. The backlash has especially revealed ideological divides over economic policies within the Democratic party.

During an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Mamdani was directly asked, "Are you a communist?" He responded, “No, I am not,” and argued that such accusations were meant to distract from his focus on policies. Mamdani has identified as a democratic socialist who supports city-run grocery stores, statewide housing guarantees, free buses, and a $30 minimum wage. He said, “I have already had to start to get used to the fact that the president will talk about how I look, how I sound, where I’m from, who I am, ultimately because he wants to distract from what I’m fighting for.”

New York family walking in Times Square

Mamdani said, "If there was any system that could guarantee each person housing, whether you call it the abolition of private property, or you call it a statewide housing guarantee, it is preferable to what is going on right now."

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis at press conference

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) criticized Mamdani’s socialist views as echoing Karl Marx’s ideology. She noted many New Yorkers fled socialist regimes. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) wrote simply, "He is a communist."

Rep. Mike Lawler votes with family on election day

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) called abolishing private property "dangerous and un-American," warning it could destabilize the economy. Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) claimed it would erode fundamental rights.

Supporters hold large flag for Trump in NYC

Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) called Mamdani’s housing plan a "communist manifesto," arguing it ignores New York’s real problems. He noted that families are leaving the state due to rising costs and crime.

Rep. Elise Stefanik questions governors during hearing

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) criticized New York Democrats for backing him. She said, "Yes, you heard that right. Like the true Communist he is, Commie Mamdani supports the ‘abolition of private property.' This is the NY Democrat Party @KathyHochul you lead and you have failed to condemn this dangerous insanity."

Zohran Mamdani at Tesla protest in New York City

Mamdani has denied being a communist and claimed his housing policies are vital to tackling homelessness in New York City. Mamdani said, "People try to play ‘gotcha’ games about these kinds of things — look, I care more about whether somebody has a home."

John Baker covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.