Trump Threatens to Cut Federal Funding if Mamdani Wins NYC Mayoral Election, Endorses Cuomo

Polls indicate Mamdani is ahead of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the mayoral race.

Washington:

Republican U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday he would restrict federal funding for New York City if Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani emerges victorious in Tuesday's mayoral elections, while encouraging his supporters to vote for former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Trump stated on Truth Social that if Mamdani wins, it was "highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required."

Recent polls show Mamdani leading both Cuomo, who is running as an independent after his Democratic primary defeat to Mamdani, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.

Trump argued that voting for Sliwa would only benefit Mamdani and urged his supporters to back Cuomo instead.

"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.

Throughout the campaign, Republicans have consistently attacked Mamdani's candidacy, with Trump characterizing the self-described democratic socialist as a communist.

Mamdani, a Uganda-born state assembly member, surprised political observers on June 24 with his decisive primary victory.

His platform includes increasing taxes on New York City's wealthiest residents, raising the corporation tax rate, freezing stabilized apartment rental rates, and expanding publicly subsidized housing.

Mamdani's emergence presents both challenges and opportunities for the national Democratic Party, which recognizes the importance of appealing to young voters but remains concerned about Republican attacks regarding his criticism of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and his Democratic socialist views, which have created anxiety within New York's financial community.

Throughout his second term, Trump has repeatedly threatened to cut federal funding over various issues including climate initiatives, transgender policies, pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's war in Gaza, and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.