WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump lashed out at Zohran Mamdani, calling him a “pure communist” after the 33-year-old progressive’s unexpected victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary. Trump, speaking on Fox News, labeled Mamdani a “radical leftist” and warned of cutting federal funds if he opposes Trump’s policies.

Mamdani, a Ugandan-born state assemblyman and self-described democratic socialist, dismissed the attack as a distraction, reaffirming support for New York’s sanctuary city status and pushing back against claims he’s a communist.

His grassroots campaign focused on lower rents, free daycare, and public transit, striking a chord with voters and unseating scandal-hit Andrew Cuomo. While Democrats dominate NYC, Mamdani faces stiff competition in November, including independent runs by Mayor Eric Adams and possibly Cuomo.