Trump backs Cuomo and threatens to cut NYC federal funding if Mamdani wins race

President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Andrew Cuomo on Monday while threatening to withhold federal funding from New York City if Zohran Mamdani, whom he called a “communist,” wins the mayoral election.

In a lengthy article on Truth Social, he warned that the city would face a “total economic and social disaster” under Mamdani’s leadership.

“If communist candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the election for mayor of New York, it is very unlikely that I will contribute federal funds, other than the minimum required, for my beloved first home, because, as a communist, this once great city has no chance of success, or even survival!” he wrote in the lengthy post.

CUOMO SAYS TRUMP WILL DEPLOY NATIONAL GUARD AND CUT NYC FUNDS IF MAMDANI WINS MAYOR’S RACE

President Donald Trump and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani have traded barbs throughout the 2025 campaign. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images; Hiroko Masuike/AFP via Getty Images)

“It can only get worse with a communist at the helm, and I don’t want to throw good money after bad as president. It is my obligation to lead the nation, and I firmly believe that New York City will be a complete and utter economic and social disaster if Mamdani wins.” he added before claiming that a Mamdani victory would be a “complete and total economic and social disaster”.

The presidency also marks his final attempt to lead New Yorkers.

“A vote for Curtis Sliwa (who looks much better without the beret!) is a vote for Mamdani,” Trump added.

ANDREW CUOMO WARNS TRUMP WILL “TAKE CONTROL” OF NEW YORK CITY IF MAMDANI WINS

President Trump said New Yorkers truly had “no choice” but to vote for Andrew Cuomo. (N. Scott Trimble/Syracuse Post-Standard via AP)

“Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You have to vote for him and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!”

This is a developing story. Check back for more details.