Zohran Mamdani, New York’s socialist mayoral hopeful, has railed against billionaires while quietly pocketing their cash. A New York Post investigation uncovered that Mamdani’s campaign benefited from $37 million funneled through left-leaning groups by billionaire George Soros, as Breitbart reports. This revelation undercuts his anti-wealth rhetoric with a bitter dose of irony.

Mamdani, who clinched an upset victory over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic Party mayoral primary, leaned heavily on support from organizations like the Working Families Party.

Over less than a decade, Soros’ Open Society Foundation poured $37 million into this group and others, including Community Voices Heard and Jewish Voice for Peace Action. These groups provided endorsements and mobilized voters to propel Mamdani’s campaign.

In late June, Mamdani appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press, boldly declaring, “I don’t think we should have billionaires.” That’s a curious stance for someone whose campaign rode a wave of billionaire bucks. The contradiction paints a picture of a candidate preaching one gospel while practicing another.

Soros’ shadow looms large

The financial trail starts with Soros’ Open Society Foundation, which bankrolled at least nine progressive groups. These organizations didn’t just cheer Mamdani from the sidelines; they actively worked to get out the vote. Their efforts were pivotal in securing his primary win against a political heavyweight like Cuomo.

Mamdani’s platform includes raising property taxes on wealthier, predominantly white neighborhoods. It’s a policy that aligns with his socialist branding but raises eyebrows when paired with his reliance on elite funding. The hypocrisy stings, especially for voters who bought into his populist pitch.

“If you’re George Soros or part of the far-left donor class, you get a free pass and a seat at the table,” said Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa to the New York Post.

Sliwa’s jab hits hard, exposing the cozy relationship between Mamdani’s campaign and the very wealth he claims to despise. It’s a classic case of talking the talk without walking the walk.

Critics decry double standards

Current NYC Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent, didn’t hold back either. “You can’t have it both ways,” Adams told the New York Post. “We need leadership that brings people together -- not politicians who demonize success while quietly cashing in on it.”

Adams’ critique cuts to the core of Mamdani’s dilemma. How can a candidate champion economic equality while benefiting from a billionaire’s deep pockets? The question lingers like a bad aftertaste.

Douglas Kellogg, speaking to the New York Post, took it further: “George Soros is like a comic-book villain, James Bond villain who’s funding a movement designed to undermine individual freedom and liberty across the globe.”

Kellogg’s vivid imagery underscores the distrust many conservatives feel toward Soros’ influence. Yet, Mamdani’s silence on the matter only fuels the skepticism.

Mamdani’s silence speaks volumes

Neither Mamdani nor Soros responded to the New York Post’s requests for comment. Their refusal to address the funding controversy leaves voters to draw their own conclusions. In politics, silence is rarely a winning strategy.

Mamdani’s campaign narrative hinges on challenging the elite, yet his financial ties tell a different story. The $37 million from Soros’ foundation wasn’t direct, but its impact was undeniable. It’s a reminder that money talks, even in socialist circles.

The Working Families Party and its allies didn’t just endorse Mamdani; they mobilized resources to ensure his victory. This wasn’t grassroots enthusiasm -- it was a well-funded machine. For a candidate who decries wealth concentration, that’s a tough pill to swallow.

Policy vs. funding realities

Mamdani’s tax-the-rich proposals resonate with his base, but they clash with his campaign’s funding reality. Raising property taxes on “richer and whiter neighborhoods” sounds bold, but it’s less convincing when backed by billionaire dollars. Voters deserve transparency, not contradictions.

The primary upset over Cuomo was a feather in Mamdani’s cap, but the Soros connection taints the triumph. Conservative critics argue it exposes the left’s selective outrage toward wealth. If billionaires are the problem, why take their money?

As New Yorkers weigh their mayoral options, Mamdani’s story serves as a cautionary tale. His rhetoric may inspire, but his reliance on elite funding undermines his credibility. In a city craving authenticity, this disconnect could prove costly.