Cuomo Warns of Trump’s Plans if Mamdani Wins New York Mayoral Race

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo alerted voters in Manhattan’s Washington Heights on Monday about potential repercussions if Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani becomes mayor. He claimed that Trump would send the National Guard to New York City if that happened.

Although Trump isn’t on the ballot this Election Day, his influence looms over the race. Candidates are eager to show they can counter his anticipated agenda for a second term, which could involve deploying the National Guard in various U.S. cities.

“We have to rise up against Donald Trump and fight for New York,” Cuomo stated. He emphasized that if Mamdani prevails, “we know he will send the National Guard to New York.” Cuomo expressed that New Yorkers “cannot tolerate that.”

During a “60 Minutes” interview, Trump warned that if Mamdani wins, it might be hard for him to provide financial support to New York.

Mamdani, meanwhile, engaged in a march from the Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall on the eve of the election, aiming to display his commitment in the face of Trump’s influence.

Trump further criticized Mamdani’s approach, suggesting that under communist leadership, funds sent to New York would be squandered. In response, Cuomo stated that New York needs a mayor who can secure funding and prevent the National Guard’s presence, asserting that “we don’t need the National Guard.”

Cuomo pointed out that voters are looking for someone who can really effect change. He reiterated that experience matters, and suggested that Mamdani, who is in his second term on the City Council, isn’t equipped to lead such a large city.

Cuomo noted, “We’ve done it once; we’ll do it again,” referring to their previous victories against Trump during his presidency. Though Cuomo resigned in 2021 amid scandals, including allegations of sexual harassment, he maintains confidence in his political capabilities.

Mamdani took the opportunity to criticize Cuomo’s campaign connections to Trump, claiming that this association would deepen the struggles faced by New Yorkers.

Cuomo’s spokesperson dismissed Mamdani’s assertions, reinforcing Cuomo’s history of fighting for the city’s interests. The campaign insists they won’t let Trump’s influence dictate the election.

When pressed about Trump during a recent event, Cuomo appeared to sidestep giving a clear answer. He maintained, “I’m a proud Democrat,” reconciling his criticism of Mamdani’s self-identification as a socialist but distinguishing it from communism.

Trump has consistently referred to Mamdani in less-than-flattering terms, which underscores the tension in this election. Cuomo is framing the election as a critical decision against socialism, citing historical failures in other countries.

He warned of severe consequences if federal funding were to be cut by Trump due to Mamdani’s election, suggesting potential devastation for the city’s infrastructure and support systems.

In the final push before New York City’s Election Day, Cuomo will be engaging directly with voters, while Mamdani will be leading canvassing efforts in other neighborhoods.