Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) has jumped to the defense of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's proposed grocery store plan, arguing that the real culprits behind rising food prices and financial hardship are the Iran conflict and President Donald Trump's tax policies, not food desert initiatives.

Khanna Blames Iran War, Trump Tax Breaks

On Sunday, in a post on X, Khanna said, "Blaming @ZohranKMamdani’s grocery stores in food deserts for the struggle of working class New Yorkers is absurd."

He added, "What about the war in Iran that is driving food prices up and the Trump tax breaks to billionaires that have left less money in the pockets of working class New Yorkers?"

Khanna Defends Mamdani Grocery Plan

During an interview, a Fox News host questioned Mamdani's proposal to create taxpayer-backed grocery stores, citing concerns that the plan could hurt bodegas and other small businesses while creating opportunities for abuse and increased government spending.

Khanna responded that the stores are intended for "food deserts where people don’t have access to groceries and where they’re paying too much."

He further said, "Let me tell you what’s actually hurting and shafting and stealing from ordinary Americans."

He added, "This war in Iran that has led to huge increases in grocery prices because farmers can’t get the fertilizer."

Khanna also criticized tax policy, saying, "What’s stealing from working class Americans is these tax breaks to billionaires. They don’t need the tax breaks."

He concluded by arguing, "Regardless of where you stand for grocery stores and food deserts, that’s not why people are hurting in this country."

Mamdani Grocery Plan Draws Criticism

Last month, Mamdani had a plan to open five city-backed grocery stores and offer 30% discounts on essentials.

Mamdani said the initiative would lower costs for New Yorkers by reducing prices on items such as eggs, milk, chicken and produce.

Investor Kevin O’Leary argued that grocery stores operate on thin margins and that large price cuts could create losses for taxpayers.

Earlier, economist Peter Schiff warned that government-run stores could be less efficient without a profit motive and may require public subsidies.

Mamdani had defended the plan, saying city-owned stores would create more affordable options and had allocated $70 million in capital funding for the project, with all five locations expected to open by 2030.

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