On the eve of New York City’s mayoral election, US President Donald Trump delivered a stark warning, saying the city will face a “complete and total economic and social disaster” if Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani takes office. Trump officially threw his support behind former governor Andrew Cuomo, urging New Yorkers to back him as the only viable option to protect the city’s future.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said that if Mamdani wins, federal support for the city would be reduced to the bare minimum legally required. He described Mamdani as a “Communist,” claiming New York “has zero chance of success, or even survival” under his leadership.
Trump argued that the city cannot afford to risk further decline, stating, “It can only get worse with a Communist at the helm, and I don’t want to send good money after bad.” He emphasized his position as president obligates him to safeguard national resources, warning that Mamdani’s leadership would lead New York into a deep crisis.
Despite political differences, Trump endorsed Cuomo in the final hours before the vote, saying New Yorkers “really have no choice” but to support him. “Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you must vote for him,” Trump said, adding that Cuomo is experienced and “capable,” while Mamdani is “not.”
Mamdani, 34, born in Uganda and raised in New York City, is a Democratic Socialist and currently serves in the New York State Assembly. He faces Cuomo, running as an independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in a closely watched three-way race. Mamdani has campaigned on lowering living costs and prioritizing housing affordability, promising a citywide rent freeze for regulated tenants and expanded housing development.
Trump doubled down in a recent CBS 60 Minutes interview, saying a Mamdani victory would make it “hard” for the federal government to support New York, claiming funds would be wasted under his administration. He also suggested that even a “bad Democrat” is preferable to someone he calls a “Communist,” making clear he would choose Cuomo over Mamdani if forced.
More than 735,000 voters cast ballots early this cycle, quadrupling turnout from 2021 and underscoring the intensity surrounding this election. Mamdani, who earlier defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary, enters Election Day as a frontrunner with significant grassroots backing.
As polls open across the nation, New Yorkers will determine not only their next mayor but also the direction of the city at a moment of political and economic uncertainty.
A city stands at a crossroads — with fear, hope, and determination mixing in the hearts of millions. Elections may divide opinions, but New Yorkers continue to share one truth: they want a safe, thriving, fair city. Leadership will shape the future — but the spirit of its people will always define New York.
