A stunning and unprecedented political intervention unfolded Monday as former President Donald Trump publicly backed Andrew Cuomo for a future New York leadership role. The endorsement arrived alongside a stark warning: federal funding for New York City hangs in the balance, contingent on the outcome of the mayoral election.
Trump’s declaration, delivered via a lengthy statement, centered on his vehement opposition to mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, whom he branded a “Communist.” He painted a dire picture of the city’s future should Mamdani prevail, predicting “total economic and social disaster.”
The former president didn’t mince words, asserting that federal funds would be drastically curtailed if Mamdani were elected. He framed this as a necessary measure, arguing that a city led by someone he characterized as a Communist had “ZERO chance of success, or even survival.”
Trump’s reasoning extended beyond financial concerns, claiming a moral obligation to protect federal resources. He stated he wouldn’t “send, as President, good money after bad,” believing a Mamdani victory would inevitably lead to ruin for the city.
The statement also included a surprising assessment of the mayoral race, suggesting a vote for Curtis Sliwa would effectively be a vote *for* Mamdani. This led to Trump’s unexpected advocacy for Cuomo, despite any personal reservations.
“Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice,” Trump wrote. He expressed confidence in Cuomo’s capabilities, contrasting them sharply with what he perceived as Mamdani’s unsuitability for the office, urging New Yorkers to support Cuomo and “hope he does a fantastic job.”
