Why is Trump bashing Mamdani? The latest feud between president, mayor

President Donald Trump is turning on Mayor Zohran Mamdani (again.)

The pair, who come from different sides of the aisle, have shocked many with their ability to work together despite ideological differences.

But Trump is seemingly having a change of heart when it comes to the 34-year-old democratic socialist mayor. In particular, with Mamdani’s newly revealed tax targeting some of the richest in the world.

Here's what to know.

Why is Trump mad at Mamdani?

This week, Mamdani announced plans for one of his key campaign promises: taxing the rich. Alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul, the mayor unveiled a new pied-à-terre tax - a first for the state.

The new tax "will levy an annual surcharge on one to three family homes, condominiums and co-ops valued above $5 million when owners have a separate primary residence outside of New York City," the city says.

Both Mamdani and Trump have disagreed on a multitude of policies affecting the city and nation, but have continued to reach agreements, particularly when the politicians meet in person. But the tax seemingly struck a nerve with the president.

"Sadly, Mayor Mamdani is DESTROYING New York! It has no chance! The United States of America should not contribute to its failure," Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday.

"It will only get WORSE. 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."

In the past, Trump has threatened federal funding to NYC - the biggest city in the country by population.

Before Mamdani won the race, the president endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and said that he would withhold federal funding if the socialist had won. The city receives billions of dollars every year from the federal government.

"If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home," Trump posted to Truth Social last year.

"Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!" 

What has Mamdani said about Trump?

On CBS Mornings yesterday before Trump's post, Mamdani said that the two of them "are in touch."

"We've had a number of meetings now in the Oval Office, and we are honest, direct about the fact that we have many disagreements. There is one place of agreement that we have, which is that we both love New York City. And that's, I think, something that is at the heart of every conversation we have is how can we make this city better?"