Former President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to withhold federal funding from New York City if Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani is elected, escalating his involvement in the race.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump claimed Mamdani would need presidential approval to fulfill what he termed “FAKE Communist promises.” “He is going to have problems with Washington like no Mayor in the history of our once great City,” Trump wrote. “Remember, he needs the money from me, as President… He won’t be getting any of it, so what’s the point of voting for him?”
Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has campaign proposals that would rely on both state and federal funding.
Trump’s comments came just a day after incumbent Mayor Eric Adams suspended his reelection campaign. Sources previously told ABC News that Trump advisers had contacted Adams to persuade him to drop out, offering potential administration positions. The former president had been vocal about wanting other candidates to exit the race to limit the number of challengers to Mamdani.
Responding to the threat at a press conference, Mamdani dismissed Trump’s post, suggesting the former president is struggling to accept his potential victory. “I think that Donald Trump is going through the stages of grief,” Mamdani said. “He’s coming to terms with the fact that we’re going to win this race.”
Mamdani also referenced reports of calls between Trump and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo—which both men have denied—and claimed Cuomo would “clear the way for Donald Trump’s agenda.” Conversely, Cuomo has previously described Mamdani as the weakest candidate to oppose the Trump administration.
When asked if he was worried about potential funding cuts, Mamdani shrugged off the concern and instead discussed areas where the city could implement its own savings.
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