Trump Criticizes NYC Mayor Mamdani's Tax Plan for Wealthy

Mamdani aims to fund city infrastructure and aid working-class residents by taxing global elites and high-income New Yorkers.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:20pm

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Former President Donald Trump has criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's proposal to increase taxes on the ultra-wealthy in order to support the city's infrastructure and aid working-class residents. Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, believes the wealthy should 'pay what is owed' so that lower-income New Yorkers do not continue to struggle. Trump, a longtime New York resident who would likely be impacted by the tax hikes, dismissed Mamdani's plan as 'TAX, TAX, TAX policies' that are 'so wrong' and will only make the city's problems 'WORSE'.

Why it matters

The clash between Trump and Mamdani highlights the ongoing political divide over taxation and economic policies, particularly in major cities like New York. Mamdani's proposal to target the ultra-wealthy aligns with his progressive agenda, while Trump's opposition reflects the Republican stance against raising taxes on the affluent. This dispute could shape the national political discourse around wealth inequality and the role of government in addressing it.

The details

Mamdani, who was recently elected mayor, has proposed increasing taxes on high-income residents and global elites in New York City. He believes this will generate additional revenue to fund infrastructure improvements and aid working-class New Yorkers who are being 'priced out' of the city. Trump, a longtime New York resident, falls within the group that Mamdani has targeted for higher taxes. In response, Trump took to Truth Social to criticize the mayor's 'TAX, TAX, TAX' policies, claiming they 'have no chance' and will only make the city's problems worse.

  • Mamdani was recently elected as the mayor of New York City.
  • Mamdani introduced his tax proposal targeting the ultra-wealthy in early 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The newly elected mayor of New York City, who identifies as a democratic socialist and has proposed increasing taxes on high-income residents and global elites to fund infrastructure and aid working-class New Yorkers.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who is a longtime New York resident and would likely be impacted by Mamdani's proposed tax hikes on the ultra-wealthy.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

“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

What’s next

The proposed tax hikes on the wealthy will likely face significant opposition from Trump and other conservative figures, setting up a political battle over the future of New York City's economic policies.

The takeaway

This clash between the progressive mayor and the former Republican president highlights the deep partisan divide over taxation and economic inequality, which will continue to shape the national political discourse.