A political opposition group has raised more than $1 million to challenge the Mamdani administration's agenda, while the administration faces mounting criticism over proposed budget cuts to veterans services.

The opposition group will be led by Jim Walden, a lawyer who ran for mayor last year. The organization plans to run attack advertisements and has indicated it is prepared to pursue legal action against the Mamdani administration's policies.

Separately, the Mamdani administration is confronting backlash from veterans and local politicians over plans to cut more than $1 million from the city's Department of Veterans' Services budget. The proposed cuts would affect funding for veterans' events, including the elimination of certain parades and other commemorative activities.

Veterans groups and political figures have criticized the proposed reductions, arguing they would harm services for the veteran community. The budget cuts have become a focal point for opposition to the administration's fiscal priorities.

The formation of the well-funded opposition group and the controversy over veterans services represent early challenges for the Mamdani administration as it implements its policy agenda.