Miami Mayor Francis Suarez recently shared a stern warning for New York City voters considering a shift toward socialism under candidate Zohran Mamdani. During an interview with Lara Trump on ‘My View with Lara Trump,’ Suarez voiced deep concerns over the implications of a socialist leadership for one of the nation’s largest cities.
“It’s not good for New York City, I can tell you that much. It’s very scary,” Suarez stated, drawing on his own experiences as the son of Cuban exiles. He emphasized his family’s trauma from fleeing communist Cuba, pointing out parallels he sees between Cuban history and the current political landscape in the United States.
Suarez recounted, “A young, charismatic leader, not too different from Mamdani, said, ‘Convince the population, give us all your property, give us all your businesses, and we’ll make everybody equal.’ And he did. He made everybody equally poor and miserable.” His warning underscores a harrowing historical lesson, as Suarez fears that a similar fate could befall New York City if voters choose Mamdani as their mayor.
Concerning the potential consequences of Mamdani’s policies, Suarez expressed a bleak outlook. “The city will, unfortunately, have a tremendously massive exodus of people probably coming to Miami,” he said, emphasizing that it’s disheartening to witness a significant American city jeopardizing its prosperity and vibrancy.
When asked what he would convey to New Yorkers considering Mamdani, Suarez did not hesitate. “I would say to them, Don’t do it. I would say, run in the opposite direction,” he cautioned. He offered a glimpse into his family’s American success story, highlighting their resilience and the transformative opportunities they found in the U.S.
“My dad was the first Cuban mayor of Miami,” Suarez noted. “It is absolutely the American dream story.” He attributed his public service to a strong sense of gratitude for the opportunities America affords, stating, “I owe a great debt, not only to my city…but to this incredible country, the best country in the world.”
Suarez outlined the core principles guiding Miami: keeping taxes low, ensuring public safety, and embracing innovation. He proudly mentioned, “We’ve lowered taxes to the lowest level ever,” while also reporting significant growth in the local economy and a historical low in the homicide rate.
As the conversation turned to Mamdani’s proposed policies, Suarez’s concerns grew sharper. “You’re paying close to 60% of your income taxes today to a government. What does that mean? That means that government is your business partner and you’re the minority partner.” He warned that this unsustainable situation could further hollow out the city if Mamdani were to increase taxes.
Suarez also addressed Mamdani’s pledge to fund legal defense for illegal immigrants, which he estimates could cost New York City around $100 million. “He doesn’t know either,” Suarez remarked about Mamdani’s proposal, pointing out the fiscal impracticality behind it.
“Democrats want to fund health care for illegal immigrants rather than take care of the people who are here legally,” Suarez criticized, stressing that while the immigration system needs reform, securing the border must be the priority. He called for an immigration policy informed by key indicators such as birth rate and unemployment, urging a focus on legal immigration pathways over bolstering illegal immigration.
Suarez articulated a concerning view of the current Democratic Party’s direction, indicating that figures like Mamdani and others represent a shift towards radicalism. “If that is the case, first of all, I think the Democratic Party is in big trouble,” he asserted, foreseeing a rapid decline for New York should Mamdani’s agenda take hold.
He poignantly remarked, “You never want to see a great American city falter.” However, compared to the challenges facing New York, he expressed optimism for Miami, a city he believes is thriving by learning from the mistakes of others. “We are seeing the rise of another great American city that’s taking advantage of what other cities are doing wrong.”
As the mayor’s warning echoes through the political landscape, the stakes in New York City’s upcoming mayoral race remain significant, with potential implications reaching far beyond its borders. Mayor Suarez stands as a voice of caution, drawing from his family’s legacy and personal convictions about the values that define America.
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