On the eve of New York's highly anticipated mayoral election, former President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to voters: choose wisely or face consequences. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home.” He emphasized that he would not continue to “send good money after bad” as President.
Trump's comments resonate with statements he made during a recent appearance on CBS's 60 Minutes, where he expressed his reluctance to allocate substantial federal funds to New York under a communist leadership. “It’s gonna be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York, because if you have a communist running New York, all you’re doing is wasting the money you’re sending there,” he stated. However, it's important to note that the president does not unilaterally control federal funding allocations; this responsibility lies with Congress, as outlined in the Constitution.
The debate over federal funding has intensified, particularly with Trump's administration seemingly poised to act on this threat even before the election results are in. Earlier this year, the White House engaged in conflicts with the state regarding New York's congestion pricing plans, which Trump referenced in a follow-up Truth Social post. Additionally, the administration withheld $18 billion for a critical tunnel project as a government shutdown loomed. A federal judge recently ruled against the Trump administration's decision to rescind approximately $34 million in counterterrorism funding for New York City, labeling the action as “arbitrary, capricious and a blatant violation of the law.”
In his post, Trump suggested that voting for Curtis Sliwa, the Republican mayoral nominee, was essentially a vote for Mamdani, subtly promoting the independent candidacy of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Trump expressed a preference for Cuomo, stating, “I would much rather see a Democrat, who has had a Record of Success, WIN, than a Communist with no experience and a Record of COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE.” Cuomo, who has historically been a Democrat but is running as an independent in this election, echoed Trump’s sentiments during an interview with 77WABC radio.
In a later appearance on Fox News, Cuomo asserted the necessity for a mayor who could confront Trump directly, reiterating the former president's threat to halt funding for the city and potentially deploy the National Guard. “Trump will go through Mamdani like a hot knife through butter,” Cuomo proclaimed, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
In response to Trump's remarks, Mamdani addressed attendees at a campaign event in Astoria, Queens, stating he had anticipated Trump's support for Cuomo. He remarked, “In these final days, what was rumored, what was feared, has become, naked and unabashed.” Mamdani criticized the MAGA movement's backing of Cuomo, suggesting that Trump’s endorsement reflects a desire for a mayor who would prioritize Trump's interests over those of New York City residents.
Mamdani further emphasized the nature of Trump’s threat, stating that it is “not the law” and criticized the tendency to treat Trump’s statements as if they carry legal weight simply because of his stature. “This funding is not something that Donald Trump is giving us here in New York City. This is something that we are, in fact, owed in New York,” he asserted, underscoring the city’s right to federal support regardless of political dynamics.
