Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday issued a stark warning ahead of New York City’s mayoral election, declaring that he would restrict federal funds for the city if Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani wins. The election is scheduled for Tuesday.
Posting on his platform Truth Social, Trump wrote that it was “highly unlikely” he would contribute federal funds to the city “other than the very minimum required by law” if Mamdani were to take office. The statement adds a new layer of political drama to an already heated race.
Trump Endorses Andrew Cuomo, Warns Against Splitting the Vote
Despite being a Republican, Trump urged his supporters to back former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani.
“Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him and hope he does a fantastic job,” Trump wrote.
Trump argued that voting for the Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa would only split the conservative vote, ultimately helping Mamdani secure victory.
Recent polls show Mamdani leading against Cuomo and Sliwa, with the progressive candidate gaining strong support from younger and working-class voters.
Mamdani’s Policies and Political Rise
Zohran Mamdani, a Uganda-born state assembly member, surprised political analysts when he scored a decisive win in the Democratic primary on June 24, defeating Cuomo and cementing his position as a rising progressive voice in U.S. politics.
Mamdani’s policy platform includes:
- Raising taxes on New York City’s wealthiest residents.
- Increasing the corporation tax rate to fund social programs.
- Freezing rent on stabilized apartments.
- Expanding publicly subsidized housing to tackle the city’s affordability crisis.
His self-described democratic socialist stance has drawn both praise and criticism — energizing young progressives while sparking concerns among business leaders and Wall Street investors.
Republican Attacks on Mamdani’s Candidacy
Throughout the campaign, Republicans have fiercely attacked Mamdani, with Trump branding him a “communist” and warning that his policies would “ruin” New York City’s economy.
Conservative critics have also targeted Mamdani’s vocal criticism of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, using it to frame him as part of the Democratic Party’s radical wing.
Analysts say Mamdani’s rise poses a strategic dilemma for national Democrats — who see him as a fresh, youth-appealing voice but fear Republican backlash over his pro-Palestinian and socialist leanings.
Trump’s Pattern of Federal Funding Threats
Trump’s latest remarks are consistent with his broader pattern of using federal funding as a political tool. Throughout his second term, he has threatened to withhold federal money over state or city policies on issues such as:
- Climate change initiatives
- Transgender rights
- Pro-Palestinian demonstrations
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices
This latest move underscores how the New York City mayoral race — already charged with ideological clashes — has evolved into a national political flashpoint.
What’s at Stake
With New York City’s election day imminent, Trump’s intervention could reshape voter sentiment, especially among independents and conservative Democrats wary of Mamdani’s progressive agenda.
As the battle between establishment, progressive, and populist forces intensifies, the outcome will likely signal broader trends in U.S. urban politics — from economic justice to the future of the Democratic Party’s ideological direction.