Trump Urges Support for Cuomo to Block Mamdani in NYC Mayoral Race

President Donald Trump has publicly urged New Yorkers to vote for Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent, rather than Democrat-turned-socialist Zohran Mamdani, whom Trump labels a "communist." Trump warned that if Mamdani wins, federal funding for New York City would be cut to the minimum required, citing concerns about Mamdani's socialist platform and perceived lack of experience. Mamdani, a 34-year-old Muslim immigrant and democratic socialist, has proposed policies including wealth redistribution, universal childcare, rent freezes, and free public transit, making him a polarizing figure in the race. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned as governor amid sexual misconduct allegations and lost the Democratic primary to Mamdani, remains in the race as an independent and has Trump's reluctant endorsement. Republican Curtis Sliwa, a longtime local activist, is also a candidate but polls show he has little chance of winning. The election is highly consequential given New York City's status as a global financial and cultural center, and the race has attracted significant attention due to its symbolic clash between Trump and Mamdani's contrasting political visions.