HBO host Bill Maher took aim at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to open city-run grocery stores, calling it an idea that has never worked and warning it would unfairly compete with private businesses.
On Friday’s broadcast of Real Time, Maher discussed the plan, which would sell groceries at 30% below market rates, and questioned both its viability and the fairness of the approach.
Maher: ‘It’s not competition’
Maher noted that Mamdani has framed the proposal as a form of competition, quoting the mayor as saying, “I look forward to the competition. May the most affordable grocery store win.”
But Maher pushed back on that framing, arguing that a government-subsidized store undercutting private grocers by 30% is not a level playing field.
“Well, it’s not competition if you’re undercutting legitimate businessmen by 30%,” Maher said. “I wonder who’s going to win.”
He also raised the question of who would foot the bill for the subsidies, suggesting that wealthier residents would end up paying for the program. “I guess richer people, and that’s the plan,” he added.
Cuomo Asked About Workability
During the segment, Maher turned to former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, and pressed him on whether the proposal could actually succeed.
“But do you think it’s workable?” Maher asked Cuomo. “It never has before.”
Cuomo’s response was not included in the clip. Mamdani’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment on Maher’s remarks.
The proposal, which would create city-run grocery stores selling staples like meat and bread at a discount, is part of Mamdani’s broader push to address food affordability in New York City. However, critics have argued that such a move could drive private grocers out of business and create long-term sustainability problems.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/08/15/maher-mamdanis-grocery-store-proposal-isnt-competition-its-an-idea-thats-never-worked/