Trump Criticizes Cuomo’s Tank Remark, Hesitates NYC Funding if Mamdani Wins
In a recent interview on “60 Minutes,” former President Donald Trump expressed his concerns regarding the New York City mayoral race. He highlighted the potential implications of Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani winning the election and hinted at the possibility of withholding federal funding to the city if Mamdani assumes office.
Trump’s Critique of Mamdani
Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Queens assemblyman, has outlined ambitious policy proposals aimed at making New York City more affordable. These include initiatives such as free childcare, a rent freeze, and free bus service. Despite Mamdani’s intentions, Trump labeled the young politician as a “communist,” further asserting that he is “far worse than a socialist.”
City’s Future with Mamdani
During the interview, host O’Donnell prompted Trump to compare Mamdani to influential political figures. Trump humorously dismissed the comparison, stating, “I think I’m a much better looking person than him, right?” However, the looming reality is that Mamdani has positioned himself as a counter to former Governor Andrew Cuomo, claiming that if Cuomo wins, he would essentially be a “puppet” for Trump.
Mamdani conveyed his unease about the notion of a “Trump puppet” leading New York City. He remarked, “What scares me… is the prospect of Donald Trump’s puppet becoming the mayor.” He criticized Cuomo for relying on funds from Trump’s wealthy donors as part of his strategy for a potential victory.
Cuomo’s Response to Trump
In a separate interview with PBS, Cuomo contended that a Mamdani victory would prompt Trump to assert control over the city, even suggesting the deployment of military forces. Cuomo remarked, “He will be President Trump and Mayor Trump… he’s going to take over New York [City] and send tanks down Fifth Avenue.” This assertion prompted a robust reaction from Trump, who termed the claims as “crazy.”
Federal Funding Controversy
Trump reiterated his position on the financial implications of a Mamdani mayorship. He stated, “It’s going to be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York,” referencing his belief that funding a city led by a “communist” would be a misuse of federal resources. In stark contrast, Mamdani reassured the public that federal assistance would remain intact regardless of Trump’s threats, emphasizing that such funding is mandated by law.
While Trump expressed a lack of enthusiasm for Cuomo, he admitted that the former governor is his preferred choice in the election. He stated, “I’m not a fan of Cuomo…but if it’s going to be between a bad Democrat and a communist, I’m going to pick the bad Democrat all the time.”
This high-profile exchange between Trump, Cuomo, and Mamdani signifies the contentious nature of the upcoming mayoral election and underscores the implications of political ideologies in the battle for New York City’s leadership.
