Trump Threatens Federal Control of NYC, D.C.

President Donald Trump, during a Cabinet meeting, threatened to use federal authority to seize control of New York City if Zohran Mamdani, whom he called a 'communist,' wins the mayoral race, arguing this would fundamentally alter the city. Trump asserted the White House has 'tremendous power' to intervene in city management but did not specify legal mechanisms for such action. He also raised the possibility of federal intervention in Washington, D.C., citing crime and mismanagement, although recent data shows violent crime in the capital has decreased. Trump did not endorse any mayoral candidate but criticized Mamdani and pledged to 'make New York great again.' The remarks have fueled debate over municipal autonomy and the limits of presidential power over cities. Trump has previously threatened to withhold federal funds from New York over policy disputes, signaling a readiness to consider unprecedented federal actions.