Trump threatens to cut funds for New York over mayoral election

United States President Donald Trump has threatened to hold back federal funds to New York City if Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Trump made the threat after he endorsed former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for mayor of New York on Monday

The Republican president, who has offered frequent commentary on the New York mayoral election, injected himself further into the race by crossing party lines to support Cuomo over Mamdani and the Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa, who trails badly in public opinion polls in the heavily Democratic city.

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

Trump added that a vote for Sliwa would only help Mamdani, saying: “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.”

Heavy rains kill 2, disrupt flights in New York

Cuomo, a longtime stalwart in the Democratic Party, is running as an independent after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary.

Tuesday’s New York City election has been closely watched nationally as one that could help shape the image of the Democratic Party as it seeks its identity in opposition to Trump.

Mamdani, 34, a self-described democratic socialist who is leading Cuomo in the polls, has energised younger and more progressive voters, but he has also alarmed more moderate Democrats who fear a shift too far to the left may backfire.

Republicans have attacked Mamdani’s candidacy throughout the campaign, with Trump describing him as a communist.

The Star