Why is Donald Trump urging New Yorkers to vote for Andrew Cuomo? Inside the NYC Mayoral Race

In a move that has stunned New York’s political scene, President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the final hours before the New York City mayoral election. His endorsement, delivered Monday night on Truth Social, set off a storm of reactions across the political spectrum.

Trump Calls Cuomo the “Only Viable Option”

“Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice,” Trump wrote. “You must vote for him and hope he does a fantastic job.”

The president praised Cuomo’s “record of success” while attacking Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, calling him “not capable” and labeling him a “communist”, rhetoric that echoed Trump’s CBS 60 Minutes appearance a day earlier.

Trump’s comments came with a warning: if Mamdani wins, the federal government could withhold key funding from New York City. “I don’t want to send good money after bad,” Trump wrote, suggesting he would reduce federal support “other than the minimum required.”

Cuomo Distances Himself, But Doesn’t Reject the Boost

Cuomo, who is running as an independent after breaking from the Democratic Party, downplayed the endorsement. “He’s not endorsing me. He’s opposing Mamdani,” he said on Monday.

However, the former governor acknowledged the potential influence of Trump’s words, especially among Republican and moderate voters. “Now it’s going to be up to the Republicans, and I hope they listen to the president,” Cuomo added on WABC Radio.

Mamdani Fires Back: “This Is a Threat, Not the Law”

Mamdani, a 34-year-old progressive Democrat and outspoken critic of both Trump and Cuomo, quickly fired back during a rally in Astoria, Queens. He described Trump’s statements as an “abuse of power,” warning voters not to give in to fear.

“The MAGA movement’s embrace of Andrew Cuomo is reflective of Donald Trump’s understanding that this would be the best mayor for him, not for New Yorkers,” Mamdani said. He emphasized that federal funding decisions cannot legally be based on political preferences, saying, “This is a threat. It is not the law.”

Trump’s Political Pressure Campaign

Trump’s post marks his most forceful intervention in a local race since returning to the White House. The president also lashed out at New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, blaming her policies for “energy prices out of control” and threatening to review the city’s congestion pricing program.

Observers note that this pattern of political threats mirrors his previous disputes with Democratic-led states. Legal experts have pointed out that Trump has no constitutional authority to unilaterally withhold city funds, a power reserved for Congress.

Elon Musk and Curtis Sliwa Enter the Mix

Adding to the drama, Elon Musk endorsed Cuomo on X, mocking Mamdani’s name and warning voters not to “waste votes” on Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, who remains far behind in the polls.

Trump echoed that stance, writing, “A vote for Sliwa (who looks much better without the beret!) is a vote for Mamdani.”

Polls show Mamdani leading Cuomo by 10 points, with Sliwa trailing in third place. Despite this, Trump’s backing could energize conservative voters and complicate the race’s final hours.

Cuomo’s Complicated Relationship with Trump

The endorsement adds a new chapter to the long, turbulent relationship between Trump and Cuomo. The two sparred bitterly during the COVID-19 pandemic, trading barbs in dueling press conferences. Yet Cuomo now portrays that rivalry as experience that qualifies him to “stand up to Trump” from City Hall.

Mamdani, however, has used Cuomo’s history against him, arguing that “New Yorkers have already experienced his experience.”

FAQ – Trump’s Endorsement of Andrew Cuomo

Q1: Why did Donald Trump endorse Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor?

Trump said New Yorkers had “no choice” but to vote for Cuomo, calling him “capable” and a “Democrat with a record of success,” while labeling Zohran Mamdani a “communist.”

Q2: How did Andrew Cuomo respond to Trump’s endorsement?

Cuomo distanced himself from Trump’s support, saying the president was “not endorsing me, he’s opposing Mamdani,” though he acknowledged that it could influence Republican voters.

Q3: What did Zohran Mamdani say about Trump’s comments?

Mamdani condemned the endorsement as “a threat” to democracy, arguing that federal funding decisions cannot legally depend on election outcomes or political allegiance.

Q4: Did Trump threaten to cut off funds to New York City?

Yes. Trump suggested that if Mamdani wins, he would withhold federal funds “other than the minimum required,” although experts note that Congress, not the president, controls federal appropriations.

Q5: What role is Elon Musk playing in the election?

Elon Musk publicly endorsed Cuomo on X, urging voters not to “split the vote” by supporting Curtis Sliwa and mocking Mamdani in his post.

Q6: Who is leading in the New York City mayoral race polls?

Recent polls show Zohran Mamdani leading with around 41% support, followed by Cuomo at 34% and Sliwa at 24%, though margins vary across surveys.

Q7: What is Cuomo’s relationship with Trump?

The two have had a complicated relationship, fierce rivals during the pandemic but now temporarily aligned in a political twist that’s reshaping the NYC mayoral race.

Q8: Can Trump legally withhold money from New York City?

No. Under federal law, the president cannot unilaterally withhold funds appropriated by Congress. Such acts have previously been ruled “arbitrary and unlawful” by courts.

Q9: Why is this mayoral race attracting national attention?

The election is seen as a referendum on Trump’s influence in blue states, Cuomo’s comeback bid, and the rise of progressive politics represented by Mamdani.

Q10: When is the New York City mayoral election?

The election takes place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with early voting already underway in several boroughs.