Recent controversy erupted when socialist politician Zohran Mamdani made headlines for his open condemnation of capitalism during a CNN appearance. His criticism of the economic system that has been credited with America’s rise to global prominence and the elevation of millions from poverty has sparked intense debate about his
associations and influences.
An investigation by the New York Post has revealed concerning connections between Mamdani and David Duhalde, a socialist operative who held a position at the New York City Campaign Finance Board while maintaining ties to radical left-wing organizations. Duhalde, who served as deputy director of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), publicly endorsed Mamdani’s successful mayoral campaign in late 2024, though their professional relationship reportedly extends back to 2022.
Documents show Duhalde’s involvement with DSA’s International Committee, which maintains relationships with socialist governments in Venezuela and Cuba, and collaborates with organizations like Friends of Socialist China and The People’s Forum. In 2024, he authored a piece examining DSA youth strategies, drawing inspiration from Maoist principles and contemporary labor movements.
Further raising eyebrows is Duhalde’s personal connection to Michelle Munjanattu, identified as a member of Samidoun, an organization recently designated as a terrorist entity by Canadian authorities and sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department. Samidoun has been exposed as a fundraising front for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. The PFLP has been linked to Bank Saderat Iran, a financial institution sanctioned by the U.S. in 2006 for supporting terrorist groups including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the PFLP.
The PFLP’s official manifesto identifies it as a Marxist-Leninist organization seeking Israel’s destruction and promoting revolutionary socialism to overthrow capitalism. The organization’s extremist ideology appears to align with some of the anti-capitalist rhetoric expressed by Mamdani in his recent television appearance.
After the New York Post’s revelations, Duhalde reportedly deleted his social media presence on Facebook and Instagram, adding to concerns about the nature of these connections. His position at the NYC Campaign Finance Board had given him access to sensitive information about political candidates and campaign compliance matters.
Mamdani’s recent victory in the Democratic mayoral primary against former Governor Andrew Cuomo has brought increased scrutiny to these associations. His public denouncement of capitalism, combined with these unveiled connections to radical socialist and potentially extremist elements, has raised questions about foreign influence in local American politics.
The network of relationships surrounding Mamdani extends beyond typical progressive politics into a web of international socialist organizations and individuals with controversial affiliations. These connections, documented through public records and social media activity, suggest a more complex picture than mere academic socialist leanings.
The revelation of these ties comes at a time of increasing debate about the influence of foreign ideologies and radical political movements in American democratic institutions. Mamdani’s rise to prominence, supported by individuals with connections to international socialist networks and organizations linked to designated terrorist groups, represents a concerning pattern of radical left-wing influence in mainstream American politics.
As these connections continue to surface, questions persist about the extent of foreign ideological influence on American political figures and the potential impact on local governance. The intersection of domestic politics with international radical movements presents a challenge to traditional American democratic values and institutions.