Andrew Cuomo Warns of Potential Trump Intervention in NYC Mayoral Race

Andrew Cuomo Warns of Potential Trump Intervention in NYC Mayoral Race

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo addressed voters in Manhattan’s Washington Heights on Monday, issuing a stark warning about the implications of democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani’s potential victory in the New York City mayoral race scheduled for Tuesday night. Cuomo claimed that if Mamdani wins, President Donald Trump may deploy the National Guard to New York City.

Although Trump is not a candidate on the ballot this Election Day, his influence looms large over the race. The leading candidates are eager to demonstrate their capability to counter the sweeping agenda of Trump’s second term, which has already involved the deployment of the National Guard to various cities in the United States.

Cuomo emphasized to the gathered crowd, “New Yorkers cannot allow that to happen. We must stand up to Donald Trump and fight for our city.” His remarks reflected a fierce determination to prevent any actions that might undermine New York City’s autonomy.

In a recent appearance on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Trump remarked that if Mamdani were to win, securing federal funds for New York would be challenging. He insisted, “If you have a communist running New York, all you’re doing is wasting the money you’re sending there.” This comment further fueled concerns regarding the potential for federal funding cuts.

In light of these comments, Cuomo reinforced his belief, stating that the next mayor of New York City must be someone capable of securing the funding the city deserves. He stated, “The National Guard is not welcome here, and we do not need their presence in our city.”

Cuomo’s campaign has been gaining momentum, as he steadily rises in the polls, garnering endorsements that he believes reaffirm his ability to lead effectively. He argued that voters are seeking a leader who can facilitate meaningful change, emphasizing that they need a mayor who possesses experience and capability to govern effectively.

“Voters have expressed their desire for a mayor who can get real results, not someone with little to no experience in leadership roles,” Cuomo mentioned during his speech. He pointed out that Mamdani, currently serving as a second-term assemblyman, may not be adequately equipped to lead the largest city in the nation.

Cuomo recounted his own experience, stating, “I did it once, and I can do it again,” reflecting on his time as governor during Trump’s initial presidency. However, Cuomo’s past tenure has been marred by scandals, culminating in his resignation in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment, which he has consistently denied.

Meanwhile, Mamdani commenced his election eve activities with a sunrise march across the Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall. During this event, he took aim at Cuomo, asserting that Trump had endorsed him during the same “60 Minutes” segment.

Trump’s commentary regarding Cuomo was not entirely supportive. He remarked, “I’m not a fan of Cuomo one way or another, but if it’s between a bad Democrat and a communist, I will always choose that bad Democrat, to be honest with you.” Notably, Trump has refrained from endorsing the Republican nominee, Curtis Sliwa, who is also on the ballot.

In a direct attack on Cuomo, Mamdani claimed, “Late last night, Andrew Cuomo received Donald Trump’s endorsement. If elected as mayor, our city will dive deeper into the darkness that has driven many of our neighbors to flee and rendered it impossible for working individuals to lead dignified lives.”

When asked for a response regarding Mamdani’s claims, a spokesperson for Cuomo’s campaign, Rich Azzopardi, stated, “Mamdani is lying about Trump endorsing the former governor. There is only one candidate in this race with a track record of battling for New York and confronting the Trump administration when it mattered most, and that is Andrew Cuomo.”

Cuomo firmly rejected the implications of an endorsement from Trump when pressed by reporters during his Washington Heights appearance. He asserted, “I am a proud Democrat, and I will remain a proud Democrat. While Mamdani identifies as a socialist, we do not need socialism in our city.”

Trump has openly criticized Mamdani’s campaign, labeling him a “100% Communist Lunatic,” a title that Mamdani has firmly rejected. The former governor has framed his Independent campaign in the general election as a referendum on socialism.

Cuomo declared, “Socialism has failed in Venezuela, and it has not succeeded in Cuba. It will not work in New York City either,” reinforcing his stance against socialistic governance.

He described the potential consequences of Trump cutting federal funding if Mamdani wins, asserting it would be “devastating” for New Yorkers. Cuomo stressed the importance of having a mayor capable of managing such a significant figure as Trump in the political landscape.

As the last day before the election unfolds in New York City, Cuomo is actively meeting voters throughout the Five Boroughs in a bid to secure support, while Mamdani is hosting a canvass launching event in Astoria, Queens, on Monday night.

Fox News Digital sought comments from both the White House and Mamdani’s campaign but had not received a response by the time of publication.

Fox News’ Sandy Ibrahim contributed to this report.