In the days leading up to the mayoral election in New York City, former President Donald Trump has taken a notable step by advocating for Democrat-turned-independent Andrew Cuomo over Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. This surprising move comes as a direct effort to block the potential rise of Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist candidate who is poised to win, according to polling data.
In a statement on his social platform, Truth Social, Trump said, “If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds.” He went on to express a preference for Cuomo, noting, “I would much rather see a Democrat, who has had a Record of Success, WIN, than a Communist with no experience and a Record of COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE.” This sentiment illustrates Trump’s willingness to put aside party lines to halt what he views as an extreme shift in local governance.
Trump’s remarks did not spare Sliwa, either. He warned, “A vote for Curtis Sliwa (who looks much better without the beret!) is a vote for Mamdani.” Encouraging his supporters to reconsider their loyalties, Trump emphasized the stakes involved. His post resonated widely on social media, highlighting the urgency of the election and the deep divisions present within the political landscape.
The prediction market Polymarket places Mamdani with a staggering 91% chance of winning. If that forecast holds, Trump’s warnings about future funding could signal significant political battles ahead. During his presidency, Trump frequently leveraged federal funding as a tool in disputes with various city and state governments, illustrating his tendency to use economic pressure as a means of exerting influence. This approach underscores the importance of federal involvement in a city reliant on substantial federal funding for essential services.
With the election scheduled for June 6, turnout is expected to be high, as evidenced by nearly 750,000 early ballots cast. Mamdani’s campaign, rooted in progressive policies appealing to younger voters and the working class, has propelled him into the limelight. His proposals include free public transit, expanded rent control, and investments in public housing—all of which resonate amid rising living costs. Nick Smith, a former Deputy Public Advocate, noted that Mamdani’s messaging bears resemblance to Trump’s own, as he employs informal language and viral content to galvanize support.
However, Mamdani’s rapid ascent has not come without controversy. Critics, including both GOP members and centrist Democrats, have seized upon his past comments regarding policing and Israel, branding them as anti-police and anti-Semitic. Yet, in today’s fast-paced media environment, attacks often struggle to gain traction. Voters are bombarded with information, making it challenging for negative portrayals to stick, as Smith pointed out.
Meanwhile, Sliwa has emerged as the official Republican candidate, despite Trump’s pivot away from supporting him. Responding to Trump’s shift, Sliwa remarked, “Even the president said Andrew Cuomo handled COVID horribly… The people will decide and they’ll reject him again.” This comment indicates a growing divide within the Republican base as Trump’s focus shifts, further complicating Sliwa’s path to mobilizing conservative voters.
Cuomo has quickly aligned himself with Trump’s perspective, emphasizing the need for unity among Republicans to block Mamdani. On conservative radio, Cuomo reinforced the necessity of a collective effort to prevent what he frames as a dangerous outcome. Although Cuomo resigned amid scandal, he attempts to position himself as the steady choice for New Yorkers, framing his candidacy as essential to circumventing a further-left political agenda.
Cuomo’s spokesman clarified that while Trump’s comments shouldn’t be misinterpreted as an endorsement, they highlight a shared goal in this contentious race. The unexpected alignment hints at a potential turning point in the political dynamics of New York, particularly as Cuomo and Trump, once adversaries, now find common ground against a perceived radical shift.
In a direct response to Trump’s intervention, Mamdani dismissed potential endorsements. Instead, he embraced the contrast between himself and his opponents, calling for a transformation in local governance. He asserted the importance of ensuring that New York receives its fair share of federal funding and committed to utilizing both political and legal means to secure resources for the city.
The interplay of Trump and Cuomo may dramatically influence voter sentiment. While New York City has traditionally leaned Democratic, there remains a substantial number of Republican and independent voters. This diverse electorate could play a pivotal role in determining Mamdani’s fate. Trump’s latest moves could galvanize support among these groups, thereby narrowing Mamdani’s lead, which currently sits at double digits.
As the election looms closer, the choice before voters transcends mere candidate preference. Each option carries significant ramifications for the city’s relationship with Washington. A vote for Mamdani might jeopardize future collaboration with federal authorities, especially if Trump manages to reclaim the presidency. Conversely, supporting Cuomo could represent a departure from party loyalty, aimed at staving off a shift toward socialism. Meanwhile, Sliwa’s candidacy now comes wrapped in a warning from Trump, highlighting the risk of splitting the anti-Mamdani vote.
In the final hours of campaigning, voter turnout will likely prove critical. Presently, Cuomo lingers behind Mamdani in most polls, with Sliwa firmly in third place. Yet, the unpredictability of Trump’s late-game strategy could very well alter the trajectory of not just the election, but the political future of New York City.
"*" indicates required fields
