In a surprising political twist, U.S. President Donald Trump has openly supported Andrew Cuomo in the upcoming New York City mayoral election, urging voters not to elect Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani. This endorsement has stirred national debate and added new energy to the political race.
Trump’s Unusual Endorsement
President Trump shared his message on Truth Social, writing, “Whether you like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him and hope he does a great job. He is capable of it — Mamdani is not!”
- This unexpected statement has caught attention because Cuomo, once a Democratic governor of New York, has been a strong critic of Trump.
- Cuomo, now running as an Independent, quickly responded that Trump’s post was not an endorsement, saying, “He’s not supporting me; he’s opposing Mamdani.”
- The two men, though rivals in the past, are now at the center of this Breaking News story that has dominated Daily news highlights across the U.S.
Trump’s Warning Over Funding
Trump also issued a threat to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani wins the election. He said, “It is highly unlikely I will be contributing federal funds, other than the very minimum required.”
- During a CBS interview, Trump claimed Mamdani was a “communist,” saying, “If a communist runs New York, sending money there is a waste.”
- Mamdani quickly fired back, calling Trump’s words a “threat” and saying, “That is not the law.”
- Currently, New York City receives about $7.4 billion in federal funding each year — a significant amount that supports infrastructure, education, and housing programs.
Election Dynamics: Cuomo vs. Mamdani
Opinion polls show that Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, is leading in the race, while Cuomo, running as an Independent, is trying to regain political ground.
- The Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa is far behind, but Trump did not endorse him either, saying, “A vote for Sliwa is a vote for Mamdani.”
- Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assemblyman, describes himself as a democratic socialist, not a communist. He joked that he is “like a Scandinavian politician, only browner.”
If elected, Mamdani would be New York City’s first Muslim mayor and its youngest leader in over a century — a historic moment that has captured national attention.
Heated Exchanges Continue
Mamdani accused Cuomo of being Trump’s puppet, saying, “The answer to a Donald Trump presidency is not to create its mirror image here in City Hall.”
He added, “New Yorkers deserve a leader who stands for fairness and dignity for everyone who calls this city home.”
In response, Cuomo defended his record, highlighting his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I fought Donald Trump before, and when I fight for New York, I don’t stop,” he said during a televised debate.
Trump, on the other hand, continues to paint Mamdani as an extreme candidate, saying, “He’ll make Bill de Blasio look great — and that’s saying something.”
What’s at Stake for New York City
This election is being closely watched across America because it reflects the broader national divide between conservative and progressive politics. Trump’s comments have drawn mixed reactions from both parties, and analysts believe his warning about funding could sway undecided voters.
If Mamdani wins, it could mark a new era of progressive leadership in New York City. But if Cuomo prevails, it may show that moderate candidates can still find strong support in a deeply divided political climate.
