NYC Socialist Mayoral Candidate Faces Backlash After Viral Video Shows Him Admitting Family Would Cover His Expenses

Zohran Mamdani, the New York City Democratic socialist mayoral candidate, is facing intense online criticism after a resurfaced video showed him acknowledging that he was able to take time off work because his parents were willing to financially support him. 

The remarks, which emerged amid his campaign focused on working-class issues, have sparked accusations of hypocrisy and raised questions about his personal financial privilege.

In a clip posted to X by a Washington Free Beacon reporter, Mamdani is seen speaking on a Zoom call where he explained how he managed to take a break from work. 

“I worked until January, and then I took time away from my job and one of the major reasons I could do that was because I knew that if I ran out of my savings my family would be able to support me,” Mamdani said.

The comments quickly ignited backlash online, especially among critics who pointed to his advocacy for socialist policies. 

Detractors argued that Mamdani’s ability to rely on family wealth highlights a disconnect between his rhetoric and the realities faced by working-class New Yorkers.

“The one thing my parents told me: if you aren’t working, and you don’t have money, we cannot and will not support you,” New York Post columnist Kirsten Fleming wrote on X. “This guy is very comfortable with other people’s money.”

Fox News contributor Katie Pavlich also weighed in, posting, “’The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money,’ – Margaret Thatcher.”

“Mommy & Daddy bailouts aren’t enough to save NYC if he bankrupts it,” one user wrote.

Another commented, “Typical limousine liberal. It’s sooo easy to be a socialist when you won’t ever personally feel the consequences of your idealistic, disastrous policy ideas.”

Fox News reported that Mamdani’s campaign could not be reached for comment about the now-viral clip.

Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, rose to political prominence after winning the Democratic mayoral primary in New York City last month. 

His campaign platform has focused heavily on housing affordability, labor rights and taxpayer-funded public programs. 

Despite his working-class messaging, Mamdani has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding his personal background and financial privilege.

Current Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for re-election, has previously criticized Mamdani over what he described as a “silver spoon” upbringing. 

Mamdani, whose family roots and support base trace to progressive circles in the city, has positioned himself as a champion of the everyday New Yorker.

His general election opponents include Adams and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, setting up a high-profile three-way race scheduled for November.

Mamdani’s campaign has gained traction with working-class and younger voters, especially those backing expanded government services and housing reform. 

However, the backlash over his recent remarks has drawn attention and may affect perceptions among some voters.

As the race intensifies, the video clip has become a flashpoint in the broader debate about authenticity, privilege and the credibility of socialist candidates advocating for public spending while benefiting from private financial support.

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