President Donald Trump has endorsed Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race and threatened to restrict federal funding if left-wing candidate Zohran Mamdani wins, escalating political tensions on the eve of the election. This intervention, made through social media and television appearances, frames the local contest as a national proxy battle over urban governance and federal relations.
In a Truth Social post on Monday evening, Trump explicitly backed Cuomo, a former New York governor running as an independent, while dismissing Mamdani as a “communist” with no experience. He urged voters to support Cuomo, stating, “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.” Earlier, in a CBS “60 Minutes” interview, Trump expressed reluctance to provide substantial federal aid to New York if Mamdani wins, claiming it would be “wasting the money” and that he would only contribute “the very minimum” required.
Mamdani, a state assemblyman and democratic socialist, swiftly countered Trump’s remarks, labeling the funding threat as illegitimate. At a campaign event in Queens, he asserted, “I will address that threat for what it is: it is a threat. It is not the law.” He rejected the communist label, describing himself as akin to a Scandinavian politician and emphasizing his commitment to New Yorkers’ dignity. Mamdani accused Trump and Cuomo of aligning against the city’s interests, arguing that Cuomo would be “the best mayor for Donald Trump and his administration,” not for New Yorkers.
Cuomo, in response, acknowledged Trump’s backing but framed it as opposition to Mamdani rather than a full endorsement. He told reporters, “He’s not endorsing me. He’s opposing Mamdani,” and highlighted his experience in dealing with the Trump administration during his governorship, including clashes over COVID-19 response and immigration policies. Cuomo positioned himself as the candidate capable of standing up to federal overreach, noting that he “fought Donald Trump” and would continue to do so as mayor.
The mayoral race has become a focal point in national politics, with recent polls showing Mamdani leading Cuomo by approximately 10 points, while Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa trails significantly. Trump’s involvement underscores deep partisan divides, as he explicitly discouraged votes for Sliwa, calling them effectively votes for Mamdani. This dynamic has turned the local election into a test of progressive movements against federal pressure, with New Yorkers weighing candidates’ abilities to navigate these tensions.
Trump’s threat to withhold funding raises legal and constitutional questions, as the power of the purse resides with Congress, not the president. The administration has previously attempted to cut grants to Democratic-led cities, facing court challenges that deemed such actions unlawful. For instance, a federal judge recently reversed the withholding of counterterrorism funds for New York City, ruling it arbitrary and capricious. This precedent suggests that any attempt to implement Trump’s threat could encounter legal hurdles, potentially limiting its impact.
As New Yorkers prepare to vote, the election’s outcome could signal broader shifts in American politics, testing the resilience of progressive ideals against executive power. If Mamdani wins, he would become the city’s first Muslim mayor and its youngest in over a century, potentially setting the stage for continued conflicts with the Trump administration over funding and policy. Conversely, a Cuomo victory might embolden centrist approaches, but the president’s conditional support highlights the fragility of such alliances. The results will not only shape New York’s future but also influence how cities across the U.S. manage federal relations in an increasingly polarized era.