Zohran Mamdani Faces Scrutiny Over Ties to Radical Figures and Taxpayer Funding

New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist who once called for “seizing the means of production,” has ignited fierce debate after winning the city’s top job despite widespread criticism over ties to radical and antisemitic figures.

Investigations by Open the Books found that organizations connected to Mamdani’s mentors and political allies have collectively received over $33 million in public funding from city, state, and federal sources.

The Imam and the Socialist

In October, Mamdani campaigned alongside Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a Brooklyn religious leader who has long drawn controversy for remarks about homosexuality, Israel, and the U.S. government. Wahhaj, who once testified in defense of the “Blind Sheikh” convicted for the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, has been accused of endorsing extremist rhetoric before later softening his stance.

Mamdani posted a smiling photo with Wahhaj and Councilman Yusef Salaam on social media, calling it “a beautiful Jummah.” Critics, however, saw it as another example of the mayor-elect’s willingness to align with figures who have excused or minimized violent Islamist ideology.

Wahhaj’s organization, Masjid At-Taqwa, and related groups have received public funding, including pandemic-era small business loans. The Islamic Society of North America, where Wahhaj served as vice president, also received hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal grants.

The Circle Around Mamdani

Another close ally is Linda Sarsour, a longtime activist and vocal supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel. Sarsour has been criticized for making inflammatory remarks about Zionism and for her refusal to condemn Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan’s antisemitic rhetoric.

Sarsour’s organization, the Arab American Association of New York (AAANY), received more than $4.1 million in city and state funding between 2017 and 2024. Much of that money was categorized as general support or community development with few public details.

According to multiple intelligence and watchdog reports, Mamdani’s political base has deep overlap with groups that espouse anti-Israel and radical leftist ideologies, often funded by taxpayer dollars.

The New York Immigration Coalition, whose president Murad Awawdeh advised Mamdani’s campaign, has received $23 million in public funds since 2017. Another ally’s organization, Chhaya Community Development Corporation, received $3.6 million in federal funds and millions more from New York City.

Calls for Oversight

While Mamdani’s supporters describe him as a progressive reformer advocating for working-class New Yorkers, critics argue his alliances represent a troubling network of extremist sympathizers who have benefited from taxpayer funding.

The Anti-Defamation League urged the incoming mayor to “represent every Jewish New Yorker” and denounced his association with figures who have a history of antisemitic statements.

Following Mamdani’s victory, swastikas were discovered graffitied on a Brooklyn yeshiva and cemetery, heightening tensions and fueling public concern about the direction of city leadership.

Follow the Money

Watchdog records reveal that public funds have flowed to groups tied to Mamdani’s inner circle, often under the banner of “community empowerment” or “economic justice.” Among the recipients:

• AAANY: $4.1 million in state and city grants, plus a $177,000 PPP loan.

• Islamic Society of North America: $332,000 in federal grants and loans.

• Chhaya CDC: $3.6 million in HUD funds and $2.2 million in city payments.

• New York Immigration Coalition: $23.4 million from government contracts.

• Community Change: $125,000 in city grants since 2018.

Altogether, these organizations — tied by leadership or ideology to Mamdani’s circle — have received tens of millions of taxpayer dollars.

A Question for Voters and Taxpayers

Mamdani’s supporters call the criticism politically motivated. But the scale of public funding connected to individuals and groups under scrutiny for antisemitism, Islamist ties, or far-left activism raises serious questions about oversight and accountability.

Whether the new mayor can govern for all New Yorkers — or if his administration will serve an entrenched ideological network — remains to be seen.