Trump Suggests He May Limit Federal Funding to NYC If Zohran Mamdani Wins Mayoral Election

Trump Suggests He May Limit Federal Funding to NYC If Zohran Mamdani Wins Mayoral Election

Trump Suggests He May Limit Federal Funding to NYC If Zohran Mamdani Wins Mayoral Election

Trump Suggests He May Limit Federal Funding to NYC If Zohran Mamdani Wins Mayoral Election.

Washington D.C. President Donald Trump has hinted that he might restrict federal funding to New York City if progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the city’s upcoming mayoral election.

In a recent interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes Trump expressed concern about the direction New York could take under Mamdani’s leadership.

" It’s going to be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York,” Trump said. “If you have a Communist running New York, all you’re doing is wasting the money you’re sending there.”

While Trump did not provide specific details about potential funding cuts, his administration has a history of reducing federal grants to Democratic-led states and cities. According to city budget data New York received approximately $7.4 billion in federal funding this fiscal year.

      A Divisive Election in America’s Largest City

Polls indicate that Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, is currently leading against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo who is also vying for the mayor’s office. The election, set for Tuesday, has drawn national attention due to its potential impact on the relationship between Washington and one of the world’s major financial hubs.

During the interview, Trump compared Mamdani unfavorably to former Mayor Bill de Blasio, saying the progressive candidate “would make de Blasio look great.”

Despite his criticism of Mamdani, Trump appeared to offer a lukewarm endorsement of Cuomo, saying:

"I’m not a fan of Cuomo one way or the other, but if it’s between a bad Democrat and a Communist, I’ll pick the bad Democrat every time.”

Who Is Zohran Mamdani?

Zohran Mamdani currently a state assemblyman from Queens, describes himself as a democratic socialist and has dismissed claims that he holds communist views.

"I’m kind of like a Scandinavian politician just browner,” Mamdani joked in a previous television interview.

Mamdani has built his campaign around social equity, affordable housing, and making New York “a city that believes in the dignity of everyone who calls it home.”

He also criticized Cuomo for what he described as being too close to Trump, stating:

"The answer to a Donald Trump presidency is not to create its mirror image here in City Hall.”

       Cuomo’s Experience and Response

Cuomo, who previously served as governor during the COVID-19 pandemic, has positioned himself as the experienced choice capable of managing federal relations effectively.

“I fought Donald Trump,” Cuomo said during a debate. “When I’m fighting for New York, I don’t stop.”

Cuomo’s tenure as governor was not without controversy. He faced criticism over how his administration handled the reporting of nursing home deaths during the pandemic. Still, many supporters see him as a steady hand capable of standing up to Washington when needed.

    What’s Next for New York City?

The election comes at a crucial time for New York, as the city continues to address challenges related to housing, safety, and economic recovery. Trump’s remarks have only intensified the political spotlight on this race, framing it as a test of how progressive New York voters want their city to become.

Whether the next mayor is Mamdani or Cuomo, the outcome will likely shape New York’s relationship with the federal government and determine the city’s future direction for years to come.

The sources: BBC , Newsweek