Mamdani’s Win Fuels Crypto Fears as Trump Threatens Arrest, Questions Citizenship

Vladimir Popescu
Zohran Mamdani
Zohran Mamdani – Source: The New York Times

Mamdani’s crypto policy shift has triggered intense opposition from cryptocurrency industry leaders following his decisive victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary. The progressive candidate’s 56 percent win over Andrew Cuomo signals a potential regulatory crackdown that has mobilized hundreds of millions in opposition funding, while President Trump escalates tensions with arrest threats.

Also Read: DOGE Targets SEC SPAC Rules as Trump Pushes Deregulation

Mamdani’s Crypto Policy Shift Sparks NYC Crypto Regulation Debate

Trump vs Mamdani
Source: Fox Bussiness

In comparison to his crypto-friendly opponents, Mamdani crypto policy shift is an utter contrast to the people of the city, who have been very friendly to digital assets. The current Mayor Eric Adams has been the advocate on the adoption of Bitcoin, as well as hosting crypto summits, and Republican Curtis Sliwa has suggested increasing crypto ATM networks across the city.

The Mamdani crypto policy shift has prompted fierce industry backlash. Bill Ackman stated:

”There are hundreds of million of dollars of capital available to back a competitor to Mamdani that can be put together overnight so that a great alternative candidate won’t spend any time raising funds.”

NYC election results tabulation
NYC election results tabulation – Source: enr.boenyc.gov

Industry Opposition Mobilizes Resources

Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss have publicly opposed Mamdani’s candidacy, with Tyler suggesting strategic financial involvement to defeat him. This mobilization reflects broader concerns about how Mamdani crypto policy shift could impact New York’s status as a cryptocurrency hub, home to major firms including Gemini, Paxos, and Circle.

Mamdani criticized Cuomo’s cryptocurrency connections, stating:

”Andrew Cuomo could’ve spent the years since his resignation making amends and helping New Yorkers. Instead he hounded the women who spoke out about his serial harassment, fought to keep his book deal millions…and advised a foreign crypto exchange that broke US law.”

Trump Escalates Political Tensions

Trump threatened to arrest Mamdani over sanctuary city policies, adding federal pressure to local crypto regulation debates. The threat compounds industry fears about regulatory uncertainty under a Mamdani administration.

Mayor Adams previously declared about crypto businesses:

”If you’re in the crypto, blockchain, Web3 or the fintech space, New York City is open for business.”

This welcoming approach contrasts sharply with expected changes under Mamdani crypto policy shift.

Also Read: Trump Threatens To Unleash DOGE Audit On Elon Musk Over Subsidies

The November election will determine whether New York maintains its crypto-friendly policies or implements stricter oversight. With substantial financial opposition mobilized against him, Mamdani faces a critical test of whether progressive policies can overcome industry influence in America’s financial capital.