New york: US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to New York City, threatening to cut federal funding if Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani does not "do the right thing" once in office. The warning came during an interview with Fox News aired on Sunday, following Mamdani's victory in the Democratic primary on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump emphasized that Mamdani, who he labeled a "communist," would need to align with federal expectations or face financial repercussions. He stated, "If he does get in, I am going to be president, and he is going to have to do the right thing, or they are not getting any money. He has got to do the right thing." Trump extended this warning to any future mayor of New York, suggesting severe financial consequences if they do not comply with federal directives.

Trump's comments also included a broader threat to states and universities that might oppose his policies, a tactic he has employed in the past. He expressed surprise and concern over Mamdani's potential leadership, saying, "It is shocking," and further commented on the political implications, "I used to say we will never have a socialist in this country, no, but we will have a communist."

Mamdani's win over former New York governor Andrew Cuomo in the primary positions him to become New York City's first Muslim mayor. Known for his pro-Palestinian stance and criticism of Israel, Mamdani co-founded the Bowdoin College chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine and participated in a 2023 hunger strike outside the White House advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza.