Zohran Mamdani lauded for his bold response on capitalism: 'Finally someone with principles speaking up'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Just days after Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, Mamdani is igniting fierce political debate across the country not over policy specifics, but for a viral CNN moment in which he openly rejected capitalism.
The 33-year-old state assemblyman, widely known for his democratic socialist platform, was pressed during a CNN interview on whether he supports capitalism, reports Buzzfeed.
CNN: Do you like capitalism?
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) June 27, 2025
ZOHRAN MAMDANI: No. I have many critiques of capitalism.
In the words of Dr. King decades ago, he said, 'Call it democracy or call it democratic socialism; there must be a better distribution of wealth for all of God's children in this country.'… pic.twitter.com/iW02E21Qoe
Zohran Mamdani sparks national debate with blunt anti-capitalism remark
“Do you like capitalism?” the host questioned. Without hesitation, Zohran Mamdani replied, “No. I have many critiques of capitalism.”
Quoting Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Mamdani continued, “I think ultimately, the definition for me, of why I call myself a democratic socialist, is the words of Dr King decades ago.”

“Call it democracy or call it democratic socialism — there must be a better distribution of wealth for all of God's children in this country.” He then added, “That’s what I’m focused on, is dignity and taking on income inequality.”
Internet applauds Zohran Mamdani’s blunt anti-Capitalism stance

Zohran Mamdani is earning widespread praise online after his unfiltered response to a question about his stance on capitalism during a recent CNN interview.
The unapologetic reply instantly lit up social media, with supporters lauding his clarity.
“Thank god we have a politician who is finally brave enough to say that yeah capitalism does f*****g suck actually,” one user wrote.
Thank god we have a politician who is finally brave enough to say that yeah capitalism does fucking suck actually https://t.co/cxBxZFlMwg
— Let Sam Kuch-ta (@skuchta28) June 27, 2025
Another user called the moment, “I saw him say this on CNN and my jaw dropped. They straight up asked him if he ‘likes capitalism’ and he said ‘no.’ And I don’t think that’s gonna be a problem for him! Watershed moment.”
I saw him say this on CNN and my jaw dropped. They straight up asked him if he “likes capitalism” and he said “no.” And I don’t think that’s gonna be a problem for him! Watershed moment https://t.co/T6d2gNwy2N
— Cassie Pritchard (@hecubian_devil) June 27, 2025
Others praised Mamdani for refusing to soften his message, “I'm so glad he's going out and saying ‘this is who i am, don't like it? cry about it’ … it’s crazy how long it’s been since I’ve seen something like that from someone on the left.”
im so glad he's going out and saying "this is who i am, don't like it? cry about it"
— the frog is coming (@queenbiscuit311) June 27, 2025
its crazy how long its been since ive seen something like that from someone on the left
“He isn’t even afraid to say it,” one commented.
He isn’t even afraid to say it 🥹🥹🥹
— they don’t know WTF they’re fighting about 🇺🇸 (@l00n3yl3ftyyy) June 27, 2025
And one user summed up, “Finally someone with principles speaking up! f**k capitalism!”
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.