By James Morley III | Wednesday, 05 November 2025 04:24 PM EST
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shared an online survey on Tuesday seeking input from state residents on how to address New Yorkers relocating following the election of Democrat socialist Zohran Mamdani as mayor. The poll included options such as “Build an FL border wall,” “Tariff all transplants,” and “Recruit new transplants.” DeSantis’s post followed a similar call from Republican Florida state Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman, who urged the governor to impose tariffs on New Yorkers relocating to Florida.
Earlier, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott warned that any New Yorkers attempting to move to Texas would face a 100% tariff under his administration. While Abbott did not detail enforcement methods, the statement resonated with other Republican leaders. A week before Election Day, Tesla CEO Elon Musk speculated that Mamdani would represent the “future of the Democratic Party.” DeSantis responded by suggesting Mamdani’s election would position him as the “most prominent Democrat in America” and frame his policies as a national model for Democrats.
President Donald Trump echoed similar rhetoric during a speech at the America Business Forum in Miami, claiming that Miami could become a refuge for those fleeing “communism” in New York City. He criticized Democratic leadership, stating, “Our opponents are hell-bent on turning America into a communist Cuba or a socialist Venezuela,” and warned of the consequences of such policies.
