President Donald Trump has issued a warning that he may cut off federal funding to New York City depending on the outcome of the mayoral election.
In an unexpected move, Trump has let New York City voters know that if a particular candidate wins the mayoral race, he intends to stop federal funds for the city’s government.
With current Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, stepping out of the re-election campaign as of Sunday (September 30), the race is now between three main contenders. Leading the charge is Zohran Mamdani, a self-described ‘socialist,’ as the race nears its end.
The 33-year-old Democrat is seen as the front-runner, but with the election set for November 4, Andrew Cuomo, a former Democratic Party member and ex-New York Governor now running independently, and Republican Curtis Sliwa are hoping to turn the tide in their favor.
Should Mamdani take office, he plans to introduce a free bus service citywide, provide universal childcare for children aged six weeks to five years, and enforce rent freezes to prevent landlords from increasing rates.
His agenda includes holding negligent landlords accountable and tripling the production of rent-stabilized, union-built housing.
Despite his ambitions, The New York Times has criticized Mamdani’s proposals as impractical. Cuomo has also questioned his capability, suggesting Mamdani is too inexperienced and radical to manage a budget of $115 billion and oversee over 300,000 municipal employees.
President Trump has gone so far as to suggest deporting Mamdani, labeling him a ‘communist.’ Trump said to the press: “A lot of people are saying he’s here illegally. We’re going to look at everything… we’ll have to arrest him.”
With the election five weeks away, Trump has vowed to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani wins.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Self proclaimed New York City Communist, Zohran Mamdani, who is running for Mayor, will prove to be one of the best things to ever happen to our great Republican Party.”
“He is going to have problems with Washington like no Mayor in the history of our once great City. Remember, he needs the money from me, as President, in order to fulfill all of his FAKE Communist promises. He won’t be getting any of it, so what’s the point of voting for him?
“This ideology has failed, always, for thousands of years. It will fail again, and that’s guaranteed! President DJT.”
These comments have sparked disbelief, including from Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.
Senator Sanders tweeted: “Trump wants to withhold money from New York City if Zohran Mamdani wins. Really? Because nothing says ‘law and order’ like the President extorting his own city if they don’t vote how he wants.”
If Mamdani secures a victory, he will become the first Muslim mayor in New York City’s history.