Trump threatens to cut off federal funding if Mamdani wins New York mayoral race

US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut federal funding for New York City if Democrat candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the upcoming mayoral election.

Posting on his Truth Social platform on November 3, Trump wrote: “If the communist candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the New York mayoral race, I will not give my beloved city any federal funding other than mandatory aid. Under a communist, New York will not survive—it will only get worse.”

Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and current representative for New York’s 36th Assembly District in Queens, has long campaigned for housing reform, public transport expansion, and social welfare programmes. However, critics often brand him a “communist” for his progressive policies.

Early voting has concluded, and the main polling day is Tuesday, with more than five million registered voters set to cast their ballots. Recent polls show Mamdani leading ahead of former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.

Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 over sexual harassment allegations, is running as an independent after losing to Mamdani in the June primary. Trump has urged his supporters to vote for Cuomo, saying, “Whether you like Cuomo or not, he’s the only alternative left.”

Following his primary victory in June, Mamdani rose to national prominence within the Democratic Party, gaining endorsements from former President Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul. He has also attracted consistent grassroots funding from small donors.

Mamdani’s policy agenda includes raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations, freezing rent hikes, and expanding affordable housing—positions that have caused concern within the city’s financial sector.

Analysts say Mamdani’s rise poses both a challenge and an opportunity for the Democratic Party, as it appeals to younger, more progressive voters. His outspoken stance against Israeli strikes in Gaza has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans but earned strong support among young voters.

Obama campaign spokesperson Dora Pakek said, “President Obama’s support has inspired Mamdani further. He believes this is the time to build a new kind of politics in New York.”