Democracy or coercion? Trump warns he will cut federal funding if Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayoral election

US President Donald Trump has triggered controversy with a statement claiming that he would withhold federal funding from New York City if progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the upcoming mayoral race.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Mamdani as a Communist and alleged that New York would become a total economic and social disaster under his leadership. He said the city had zero chance of survival if Mamdani is elected, and claimed he would only provide the bare minimum of federal support required by law should that outcome occur.

Trump suggested that even Democratic contenders would be preferable, arguing that Mamdani’s ideology has “never been successful anywhere in history.” He also urged voters not to back Republican Curtis Sliwa, saying that a vote for Sliwa would indirectly help Mamdani. Trump went on to recommend Governor Andrew Cuomo as the choice he believes New Yorkers have no option but to support in this race.

Trump’s comments have set off a heated debate over whether such statements amount to political pressure and if threatening to financially penalise a city for its democratic choice crosses a line of democratic norms.

The New York City mayoral race, which has already been one of the most polarised in recent memory, continues to intensify as Election Day approaches.