NYC Councilwoman Accuses Zohran Mamdani of Leading a 'Soft Secession' Insurgency

New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino has issued a blunt warning that Zohran Mamdani is operating as an insurgent. She argues that New York City is already in the midst of a “soft secession” under his influence, functioning essentially as an independent city-state that pursues its own foreign policy, immigration rules, and economic agenda while only respecting federal authority when it can extract money or political concessions.

Paladino claims the real aim is to weaponize New York City’s resources and powers against the federal government and the rest of the country. She says the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), with which Mamdani is closely aligned, have been upfront about their goal of dismantling the United States from within, and that Mamdani is actively carrying out that agenda.

According to her, attempts to collaborate with Iran are simply one example of this broader strategy. She notes that DSA members appear willing to work with any adversary of the United States to advance their objectives. While a high-profile meeting with Iranian representatives was blocked by the State Department, Paladino insists the underlying intent remains clear and that back-channel communications and cooperation are likely continuing, supported by longstanding connections between DSA figures and groups tied to Iranian interests, such as the People’s Forum.

She questions what steps should be taken next, arguing that the situation has moved far beyond ordinary legal remedies. Paladino calls for removing the matter from what she describes as a corrupt civil court system and instead using the military to dismantle the DSA, treating its members as revolutionary insurgents before greater violence occurs.