New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration is distancing itself from earlier comments suggesting shoppers at the city’s proposed taxpayer-funded grocery stores might need a card resembling identification, following a wave of criticism from Republicans and other opponents.

The controversy began during a July 27 news conference, when Mamdani unveiled plans for five city-subsidized grocery stores that would offer a “core basket of goods” at prices 30% below standard retail rates. Asked how the city would prevent customers from exploiting the discounted prices by purchasing goods for resale, Mamdani turned the question over to New York City Economic Development Corporation President Jeanny Pak.

Pak replied, “We are looking to make sure that we target New Yorkers, whether it be sort of a library card-esque, and also we manage who’s buying and that is focused on everyday New Yorkers.”

Her remarks quickly drew criticism, particularly because Mamdani has supported progressive positions opposing voter ID laws, which many Democrats argue can create barriers to voting.

President Donald Trump weighed in on the issue Monday after being asked in the Oval Office about the proposed grocery card and the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, known as the SAVE America Act. The legislation would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo identification to cast a ballot.

“I heard about it. Yeah, well, I wish they’d have an ID to access the voting booth,” Trump said in comments that aired live on Newsmax and the free Newsmax2 streaming platform.

“You know, they don’t want to access the voting booth with any identification. We want voter ID, and we want proof of citizenship.”

Other supporters of the SAVE America Act and Republican officials also criticized the proposal on X.

Elon Musk wrote, “Oh, the irony is too much …”

Sen. Rick Scott of Florida posted: “@NYCMayor Mamdani’s going to require an ID check for his grocery stores, but thinks it’s racist to require one for federal elections?!? We HAVE to pass the SAVE America Act to end this corruption!”

Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt also mocked the apparent contradiction, writing: “Racist Commie Mamdani is going to make you show ID in his markets. You want your government-subsidized arugula? Show your papers! Ask for ID to vote? BIGOT!!! Are you starting to realize what disingenuous lying buffoons these commies are?”

As criticism mounted, the administration sought to clarify its position. According to the New York Post, the city’s request-for-proposals documents state that any savings card program must be “made easily available to any individual requesting” one and would not require proof of residency.

A spokesperson for the administration told the newspaper that the program would function like a supermarket loyalty card administered by the private company operating the store. The purpose, the spokesperson said, would be to help monitor inventory and discourage customers from purchasing discounted products in bulk for resale.

“NYC Grocery stores will be open to everyone,” the spokesperson said. “There will be no system to verify identity, residency, or income, and no one will be asked to show ID to shop.”