Trump backs Cuomo, threatens to withhold federal funds if Mamdani wins NYC mayoral race

US President Donald Trump in a social media post on the eve of New York City’s election says voters “really have no choice” but to support independent candidate and former Democratic governor Andrew Cuomo, who was a high-profile foe of Trump’s during the president’s first term.

“You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job,” Trump says.

He trashes Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani in the post and predictes the demise of the nation’s largest city if he wins. If that happens, Trump says it is “highly unlikely” he will be sending federal funds to New York City.

But Trump has already sought to block or slash federal funds going to the city related to counterterrorism initiatives and grants aimed at addressing the costs of migrants. He’s also suspended funding some infrastructure projects during the government shutdown and suggested he may make the hold permanent.