Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took several shots at New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani during Wednesday night’s appearance on Fox News with Sean Hannity. While discussing the influx of businesses relocating to Florida, DeSantis argued that New York residents and companies are being driven away from the state because Mamdani is “out to push a Marxist agenda.”
“I saw your clip with Barack Obama saying, ‘Oh, Mamdani, all he wants to do is help people afford housing.’ Well, Sean, if that’s the case, why did he propose earlier this year the biggest property tax increase in the history of New York City?” DeSantis said during the interview. He criticized Mamdani, claiming that the proposed 9.5% hike would have affected millions of residents, including public workers such as nurses, police officers, and firefighters.
The Republican governor also contrasted his state’s low-tax policies with what he described as excessive spending and ideological leadership in New York. According to DeSantis, Florida’s lower taxes are possible because the state operates with lower spending overall. He compared New York City’s budget to Florida’s statewide budget and argued that despite New York’s higher spending, the city’s infrastructure continues to struggle.
“What I tell [New Yorkers] is it’s not going to get better. They’re taxing you not because they’re trying to make their city a better place or the state, they’re taxing you because it’s part of an ideological agenda. They will waste that money like they have for years. And what happens is some guy like Mamdani gets elected, more conservative-leaning people leave the city,” DeSantis said.
The interview segment was shared on the governor’s X account, where reactions have been divided.
Public Reaction to DeSantis’s Remarks
Many conservative netizens supported DeSantis’ comments and echoed his criticism of Mamdani and liberal policies in New York.
One X user wrote, “Don’t let the liberals into your state they are like cancer and will ruin your state like they did theirs.” Another added, “Lib policies ARE born out of ideological frameworks & Lib voters just keep drinking the Koolaid & fall in line to vote for more of the same!”
Some reactions were even harsher toward Mamdani personally. “Mandummy admit your a leftist communist come on out yourself!!” one person said. Someone else claimed, “I think that’s their plan … chase out conservatives, patriots, and give the city to islam …”
Others, however, criticized DeSantis and questioned his own leadership in Florida. “You automatically made me think you’re just another swamp puppet,” one netizen commented. Another remarked, “I had someone tell me the healthcare system in Florida is bad.” A third asked, “After three decades of MAGA/Republicans controlling all three Florida branches, why are property taxes, home insurance and condominium fees continuing to increase exponentially?”
DeSantis, who is now in the final year of his second term as Florida’s governor, has been floated as a potential contender for the 2028 presidency.
