Trump Threatens Federal Funds Amid NYC Mayoral Race

NEW YORK (WABC) — President Donald Trump has threatened to cut federal funds to New York City if voters elect Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani as mayor. In a post on his social media account on Monday, Trump claimed Mamdani would encounter unprecedented issues with Washington.

Trump stated, “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 comments highlight a significant confrontation amid a contentious political landscape in the lead-up to the November 4 election.

Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, is running a progressive campaign and has claimed that he is not a communist. His platform includes promises that may necessitate not only federal dollars but also support from the New York state legislature.

During a press conference following Trump’s remarks, Mamdani dismissed Trump’s threats as symptoms of his struggle to accept the possibility of losing the race. “I think that Donald Trump is going through the stages of grief. He began with denial, where he said that there was no way we could win this race,” Mamdani said. He believes Trump is gradually realizing that New Yorkers want change.

In response to ongoing discussions around Trump encouraging incumbent Mayor Eric Adams to withdraw from the race and his previous communications with former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani stated, “New Yorkers are tired of a politics here in this city that has more to do with Washington than it has to do with the people of this same city.”

Many Democrats reacted with alarm to Trump’s threats. Some suggested that if federal funding were indeed withheld, New York City should stop paying federal taxes altogether, as it contributes significantly more in taxes than it receives back.

Mamdani has been gaining traction, leading by double digits against his closest rival, Independent Andrew Cuomo. His campaign has energized the progressive base and drawn Trump’s ire, characterizing Mamdani’s views as extreme.

The political tension in New York adds to a growing divide between Trump and progressive cities, which have historically been at odds with his administration’s policies.