In the clip, Mamdani walked through what he said would be a busy transition, telling supporters there was “a lot of work to be done” and that he’d need resources to “hire experts” and build out “infrastructure.” He said he’d previously told backers to stop donating — but now needed their help again.

Alongside the video, Mamdani wrote, “Thank you, New York City. Together, we made history. Now let’s get to work.”

But a whole lot of New Yorkers weren’t buying it.

“It’s been less than 24 hours since Mamdani won the election & he’s already asking for money. Congratulations New York City, bravo,” one person fumed on X.

“Already begging for money. What a joke,” another user snapped.

Critics also circulated a photo of Mamdani with Alex Soros, son of billionaire George Soros, to underscore their point about his cash appeal. “When you ask taxpayers for more money — make sure to ask your friends first,” the user wrote.

His actions imply that, while he plans to offer “free” services, he expects his supporters to foot the bill for the administration’s establishment. This contradiction highlights a dissonance between his promises of public trust and his immediate need for private funding.

The optics of Mamdani’s fundraising push are troubling, particularly given his platform’s reliance on the idea of distributing resources without directly stating where that money is supposed to come from. This is especially ironic for a politician who positions himself as a socialist.

New York City residents now face an unclear future under Mamdani’s leadership. His first 24 hours in office serve as a stark reminder: nothing in politics comes free, even when promises are packaged with smiles and good intentions.