The fight over New York City’s federal funding is more than just a squabble between Republicans—it’s a defining moment for the future of conservatism in America. With self-declared socialist Zohran Mamdani recently elected mayor of the nation’s largest city, Washington Republicans are rightly asking: Why should hardworking Americans in Georgia, Texas, or Ohio be forced to subsidize a leftist experiment in economic fantasy and lawless governance?
Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia introduced the “MAMDANI Act” in response—a bill that would cut off all federal funds to New York City as long as Mamdani is mayor. It’s bold, it’s unapologetic, and it sends the right message: if you elect a socialist, you live with the consequences. No more bailouts for cities that spit in the face of American values.
But not everyone in the GOP is on board. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, the lone Republican representing New York City in Congress, is lashing out at her own party, calling the bill “ludicrous” and a “slap in the face” to her constituents. Her frustration is understandable—she represents the last conservative foothold in a city that has gone off the rails—but let’s be clear: Carter’s bill isn’t about punishing voters in Staten Island or southern Brooklyn. It’s about drawing a red line against the left’s open embrace of socialism.
This isn’t just theory. Zohran Mamdani isn’t some moderate Democrat. He’s a Democratic Socialist who openly supports policies that would upend the very economic engine that made New York City great. He’s backed defunding the police. He’s advocated for rent cancellation and government-run housing. He’s called capitalism a “violent system.” This is not a man interested in keeping New York safe, prosperous, or free.
So why should the rest of the country be forced to bankroll his agenda?
Let’s not forget: federal funds aren’t magic money. They come from the American taxpayer—from working families, small businesses, and entrepreneurs across the country. They were not intended to prop up socialist city-states that want to turn America into Venezuela with skyscrapers.
Malliotakis argues that New York sends more to the federal government than it receives. That may be true on paper, but the issue isn’t about dollar-for-dollar accounting—it’s about principle. If the city’s leadership wants to spit in the face of national security, law enforcement, capitalism, and personal freedom, they shouldn’t expect a dime from Washington. Actions have consequences. That’s Conservatism 101.
Even Malliotakis admits she doesn’t want federal money going to “fund a socialist or communist agenda.” Good. So let’s make sure it doesn’t. The MAMDANI Act is a scalpel, not a sledgehammer—it’s designed to apply pressure where it’s needed: on Mamdani’s radical policies. If he wants to govern like a Marxist, let him do it without taxpayer subsidies.
And let’s be honest—this isn’t about hurting New Yorkers. It’s about protecting the rest of the country from being dragged into the economic quicksand Mamdani is digging. Republicans are right to use this moment as a political cudgel. This is what accountability looks like.
Carter put it plainly: “Taxpayers shouldn’t bankroll a socialist or communist agenda.” He’s right. And if the GOP can’t unite around that simple truth, then we have bigger problems than party infighting.
This isn’t a time for playing defense. It’s time to draw the line between sanity and socialism. If we won’t do it in New York City—the crown jewel of American capitalism—then where?
As President Trump continues to rebuild American greatness from the top down, House Republicans must do their part from the bottom up. That means standing firm, even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when it’s inside our own party.
The MAMDANI Act is a test of Republican resolve. Let’s pass it—and make it clear to every radical leftist mayor in America: the gravy train is over.
