Trump Musk Endorse Cuomo Challenge Progressive Mamdani NYC Mayor Race

In the 2025 New York City mayoral race, tech billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump have both endorsed former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to progressive nominee Zohran Mamdani. Musk criticized Mamdani's economic policies, calling him a "charismatic swindler" and warning that a vote for Republican Curtis Sliwa would inadvertently help Mamdani win. Trump echoed these concerns, labeling Mamdani a "communist" and urging voters to choose Cuomo as the "lesser evil" to avoid economic and public safety declines. Mamdani, a progressive state assemblyman with a platform focused on taxing the ultra-rich, affordable housing, and climate policies, has built a strong grassroots base but faces opposition from billionaire donors and business interests supporting Cuomo. With over 735,000 early ballots cast and the race tightening, endorsements from Musk and Trump highlight the stakes between billionaire influence, progressive organizing, and voter concerns over New York's future. The November 4 election outcome will reflect the city’s direction amid this unusual alliance between two powerful figures backing Cuomo against Mamdani.