Trump Backs Cuomo, Warns NYC Funding Cut If Mamdani Wins

President Donald Trump has intervened in the 2025 New York City mayoral race by endorsing former Governor Andrew Cuomo and warning that if democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani wins, he will likely withhold federal funding to the city beyond the legal minimum. Trump labeled Mamdani a "communist" with no experience and criticized Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, urging voters to back Cuomo as the only viable alternative. Mamdani, who leads in polls and advocates for increased taxes on the wealthy and expanded housing subsidies, responded by framing Trump's stance as an effort by wealthy interests to "buy the city" and described the election as a battle between democracy and oligarchy. Cuomo echoed concerns about Mamdani's lack of experience and warned that a Mamdani victory might prompt Trump to deploy the National Guard to New York City and cut funding, emphasizing the need for leadership that can stand up to Trump. Trump’s threats to cut funds follow his broader pattern during his presidency of withholding federal money from cities he opposes. The mayoral race has thus become a focal point for broader national political conflicts, with federal funding and city governance hanging in the balance.