Mamdani Says Socialism Means Government Giving People What They Need — But Who Decides?

Mamdani says socialism means the government provides people with what they need to live a "dignified life." Critics ask: who decides what people need — and where does the money come from?

Mamdani says socialism means the government provides people with what they need to live a "dignified life." But that raises a basic question: who decides what people need, and where does the money come from?

Critics argue that these programs ultimately have to be funded by taxpayers, with the White House estimating the broader agenda could amount to roughly $350,000 per household over a decade. The debate now centers on whether expanded government benefits are worth the taxes and government control required to fund them.