In a stunning move that has reshaped New York City’s already tense mayoral race, President Donald Trump formally endorsed Governor Andrew Cuomo on November 3 — a move that stunned political observers and drew immediate reactions across party lines. The endorsement, paired with a stern warning about potential federal funding cuts, could have major implications for the city’s political and financial future.

Posting his message on Truth Social, President Trump urged New Yorkers to back Cuomo, calling him the “only viable choice” to maintain stability in the nation’s largest city.

“Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice,” Trump wrote. “A vote for Zohran Mamdani would destroy New York City’s finances. Cuomo can lead; Mamdani cannot.”

The President’s comments came just days after his administration finalized a new federal funding package that included billions in infrastructure and public safety aid for major U.S. cities — funds Trump hinted could be withheld if what he called “radical leadership” takes over in New York.

Trump Sidesteps GOP Candidate, Targets Mamdani

The endorsement is remarkable not only for its bipartisan angle — supporting an independent rather than a Republican — but also for its clear rebuke of both the progressive Democrat Zohran Mamdani and the Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.

Trump dismissed Sliwa as a “good man” but “unelectable in a Democrat-controlled city,” warning that supporting him could split the vote and hand victory to Mamdani.

“If you vote for Sliwa, you’re helping Mamdani,” Trump said. “This isn’t about party labels. This is about saving New York from collapse.”

By endorsing Cuomo, Trump is signaling a pragmatic political calculation: back a centrist with governing experience to prevent the rise of a progressive he views as dangerous to business and public order.

Mamdani Pushes Back, Calls Endorsement ‘Proof of Corruption’

Zohran Mamdani, speaking at a campaign event in Queens, blasted Trump’s intervention as “proof that Cuomo represents the same corrupt establishment that New Yorkers are tired of.”

“They share the same donors, the same arrogance, and the same small vision,” Mamdani said. “If Trump thinks Andrew Cuomo is the answer, then he’s admitting he wants the same broken system that got us here.”

Mamdani’s campaign quickly released a statement framing the endorsement as a desperate move by Trump to protect corporate interests and real estate donors tied to both men.

Federal Funding Looms Large Over the Race

Trump’s warning about federal aid struck a nerve across New York City. The city receives more than $7 billion annually in federal funds, covering everything from affordable housing to subway maintenance and public hospitals.

The President’s remarks hinted that those funds could be “reviewed” or “reprioritized” if Mamdani were to win, sparking debate over whether the White House is using federal money as a political weapon.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the President’s statement, saying Trump “has every right to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and not funneled into mismanaged city programs that promote chaos.”

Cuomo Welcomes Trump’s Support — Cautiously

Governor Cuomo responded to the endorsement later that evening during a press event in Midtown Manhattan, saying he “appreciates any support that helps New York City move forward,” but stopped short of fully embracing Trump’s rhetoric.

“I’ve worked with the President when it helps New Yorkers, and I’ve fought him when it doesn’t,” Cuomo said. “My focus is on rebuilding the city and keeping it safe and prosperous — not political games.”

Insiders close to Cuomo’s campaign say the endorsement could help solidify support among moderate and business-aligned voters who fear Mamdani’s policies could destabilize the city’s fragile recovery.

A Clash of Visions for New York

The mayoral race now represents more than a local contest — it has become a proxy battle for America’s ideological divide.

Trump’s endorsement ties the election to his broader national message of law and order, economic strength, and opposition to what he calls “radical socialism.” Mamdani, meanwhile, is running on a platform of rent control, public housing expansion, and taxing the wealthy, which has energized younger progressives and immigrant communities.

Political analysts say Trump’s involvement could either boost Cuomo by rallying moderates — or backfire by alienating left-leaning voters who see any association with Trump as toxic.

“This is an extremely high-risk, high-reward play,” said Columbia University political scientist Dr. Lila Guerrero. “Trump’s base isn’t in New York City, but his influence on national media ensures this race now has national implications.”

A City — and a Nation — Watching Closely

With just days until Election Day, tensions are rising. Protesters and supporters have gathered outside campaign headquarters, while city officials prepare for potential unrest regardless of the outcome.

Whether Trump’s endorsement of Cuomo reshapes the race or deepens divisions remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: New York City’s mayoral election has become a defining political showdown of the Trump presidency.