Zohran Mamdani's Campaign Engulfed in Foreign Donation Scandal

With less than a month to go before Election Day, Democratic Socialist and NYC mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani is drowning in scandal this time over potentially illegal foreign campaign donations totaling nearly $13,000.

According to a damning review by the New York City Campaign Finance Board and public records, Mamdani’s campaign accepted contributions from at least 170 foreign-based individuals, in clear violation of federal and state laws. These donors include professionals from Germany, Canada, Australia, and the UAE and yes, even his own mother-in-law in Dubai, who sent $500.

Let’s be clear: foreign nationals cannot legally contribute to U.S. elections. But Mamdani’s campaign didn’t just accept the money it still hasn’t returned $7,190 of it, despite promising to do so.

Here are just a few examples of questionable contributions:

• $2,100 from an environmental scientist in Australia

• $2,100 from a Dubai-based investor

• $250 from a German software engineer

• $250 from a Canadian software developer

• $100 from a physician in Calgary

When pressed, Mamdani’s team offered no explanation for why many of the donations still haven’t been refunded.

GOP candidate Curtis Sliwa didn’t mince words:
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. There is probably a lot more in terms of foreign money.”

And he may be right. Mamdani's campaign has already pulled in a jaw-dropping $4 million, along with a staggering $12.7 million in public matching funds from NYC taxpayers a system clearly ripe for abuse when candidates like Mamdani treat the rules as optional.

But the controversy doesn’t stop at campaign finance. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo previously blasted Mamdani for living in a rent-stabilized apartment meant for low-income New Yorkers despite his wealth and political power. Cuomo even proposed a new law to stop the exploitation, calling it “Zohran’s Law.”

“You are a rich person stealing affordable housing from the poor,” Cuomo said bluntly. “Let’s build a new NYC that works for the people who need it.”

It’s the classic socialist story lecture the public about inequality while living large off the very systems meant to protect the vulnerable. And now, add foreign cash and campaign law violations to the growing pile of hypocrisies.

The NYC Campaign Finance Board has confirmed it is auditing all campaigns, but refused further comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, Mamdani continues to campaign as if he’s above it all dodging accountability and hoping voters won’t notice the rot beneath the surface of his polished rhetoric.

Foreign influence. Public funds abuse. Housing hypocrisy. Zohran Mamdani is fast becoming the poster child for the modern left’s two-faced political playbook and New Yorkers are waking up.

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